S*M*A*S*H

When S*M*A*S*H summoned the spit and snarl of classic British punk in the early '90s, the U.K press labeled them as part of "the New Wave of the New Wave," a nonexistent movement that the British weeklies used to describe young acts resurrecting the sounds of the late-'70s and early-'80s underground scene in England. S*M*A*S*H was formed by Ed Borrie (vocals, guitar), Salvador Alessi (bass), and Rob Haigh (drums) in Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, England. British conservatives blasted the group's initial singles. In 1994, S*M*A*S*H signed to Hi Rise Records and released the EP S*M*A*S*H in 1994. The single "I Want to Kill Somebody" was a Top 40 hit in the U.K., but its controversial subject matter eventually lead to its banning. The band's debut full-length, Self Abused, was not a commercial success; however, the group remained a favorite of critics. The band recorded a single for Seattle label Sub Pop, but S*M*A*S*H remained virtually unknown in America. The EP Another Love Song E.P. followed in 1995 before the group released another single, "Rest of My Life," a year later. "Rest of My Life" turned out to be the band's final bow and they broke up soon thereafter. ~ Michael Sutton, Rovi