Rollerskate Skinny | History of the Band

Navigating Noise: Rollerskate Skinny's Melodic Exploration in the 90s

Formation and Early Years

Rollerskate Skinny, hailing from Dublin, Ireland, was formed in 1992 by Ken Griffin (vocals/guitar), Ger Griffin (guitar), and Stephen Murray (bass). They quickly made a name for themselves with their debut EP, "Novice," in 1992, followed by the "Trophy" EP in 1993, earning significant recognition, including NME's "Top Ten New Bands of the Year" for 1992. Their early work caught the attention of John Peel, leading to a session on his BBC Radio 1 show, and their inclusion on the 1994 Lollapalooza tour marked a significant step up in their career​.

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Musical Style and Evolution

Rollerskate Skinny's music is an eclectic mix of noise-pop, dream-pop, shoegaze, and alternative/indie rock, reflecting a broad palette of sonic textures and experimental approaches. Their style is noted for its complexity, combining engaging songwriting with atmospheric sounds and a knack for blending melodic pop sensibilities with layers of distortion and noise, creating a unique and captivating sound​​​.

Discography and Notable 90s Albums

• "Shoulder Voices" (1993, Placebo): Their debut album, "Shoulder Voices," was a critical success, showcasing their ability to weave together melodic indie tunes with free-form noise. The album was praised for its imaginative composition and was named Album of the Month by CMJ. It also facilitated their sign-up with Sire Records​.

• "Horsedrawn Wishes" (1996, WEA): The band's second album, "Horsedrawn Wishes," received widespread acclaim for its ambitious production and innovative sound, drawing comparisons to My Bloody Valentine and The Beatles in their psychedelic era. The album was celebrated for its originality and is considered one of the best albums of the 1990s​.

Critical Reception

Both albums received positive reviews from critics, with "Horsedrawn Wishes" being hailed as a masterpiece of the 90s, blending buzzing guitars, unusual harmonies, and warped melodies. The album's reception cemented Rollerskate Skinny's place as a significant but underappreciated act of the decade​.

Influence and Legacy

Despite their eventual split, Rollerskate Skinny's members continued to contribute to the music, with Ken Griffin forming Kid Silver and, later, August Wells. The band's influence is still felt, particularly on the Irish music scene, with "Horsedrawn Wishes" being voted among the greatest Irish albums by Hot Press and The Irish Times readers. Their innovative sound and the critical acclaim of their work have ensured that Rollerskate Skinny remains a revered name in the annals of 90s alternative music​​.

Conclusion

Rollerskate Skinny's journey through the 1990s is a testament to their creativity, innovation, and the depth of their musical exploration. From their formation and early success to the critical acclaim of their albums, they crafted a unique sound that resonated with a generation of listeners and critics alike. Though their time together as a band was relatively short, their contribution to the era's music is indelible, marking them as a distinct and influential voice in the story of 1990s music.

Sources

1. Wikipedia

2. AllMusic

3. Trouser Press