Broccoli (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 in Dundee, Scotland |
| Defunct | 1998 (initial disbandment) |
| Fate | Disbanded; reunited briefly in 2002 and 2016 |
| Headquarters | Dundee, later London , Scotland, United Kingdom; later England, United Kingdom |
| Products | Punk rock music, albums, EPs |
Broccoli was a punk rock group originating from Dundee, Scotland, recognized for blending emo influences with indie rock and pop elements. Their discography includes two full-length albums and two separate sessions recorded for BBC Radio 1’s Peel show.
Initially formed in 1989 under the name Pondlife, their first incarnation lasted less than a year. The band reassembled in 1991, establishing a core lineup with Graeme Gilmour on drums, Paul Ross handling bass duties, and Grant Myles as vocalist and guitarist. After Ross’s departure in 1993, Benni Esposito took over bass responsibilities. Broccoli embarked on extensive tours throughout continental Europe and Japan, where they amassed a passionate following dubbed "Broccolimania" by the music publication NME. The group moved their base to London in 1997 before disbanding following a European tour in 1998. They briefly reunited for a charity event in 2002 and again for a Japanese tour in 2016.
History
Formed in Dundee in 1989, Broccoli began as Pondlife with drummer Graeme Gilmour (formerly of Oi Polloi), bassist Paul Ross, and guitarist Grant Myles. After an early breakup, the trio reunited in 1991. Initially searching for a lead singer, they briefly recruited Neil from Strictly Prohibited but soon reverted to Myles on vocals due to stylistic differences. Adopting the name Broccoli, they recorded demo tracks and supported bands such as Rancid (band), Jacob's Mouse, and Pitchshifter. Following Ross’s exit in 1993 to join hardcore outfits Bloodshot and Engage, Benni Esposito stepped in on bass. The band broadened their live presence by performing alongside acts like Leatherface (band), Snuff (British band), Chopper, Crocodile God, and Hooton 3 Car.
Their first official release came in 1994 as a split EP with Spare Snare’s side project Muppet Mule on Chute Records. That October, they opened for Jawbreaker (band) in Glasgow. In 1995, Broccoli released a triple single titled "Broken / 10 Journey Trousers / Fido" through Sunderland’s Rumblestrip Records; all 500 copies sold out rapidly amid considerable media attention. Additional singles included "All Smiles / Pondlife" and "Relent / 100 Days and Counting". They supported J Church (band) on a UK tour that year. On May 28, 1995, Broccoli recorded a Peel session for BBC Radio 1 which earned airplay from DJ Steve Lamacq and attracted interest from major labels before they ultimately signed with independent label Rugger Bugger Discs. Their self-titled debut album was recorded later that November.
In 1996, the band toured Europe alongside Jessie and Wat Tyler (band), followed by tours supporting Cable, the Mr. T Experience, and No Fun at All. That year also saw them headline a ten-date tour across Japan, where NME coined the term "Broccolimania" to describe their growing fanbase. During this period, they issued a Japan-only split EP with International Jet Set on Snuffy Smile Records and headlined the Friendly Fire Christmas event supported by Fusion.
By 1997, Myles and Gilmour had relocated to London’s Gipsy Hill, rehearsing near Chestnut Road—a location that inspired much of their sophomore album’s material. After Esposito’s departure, Scott Stewart (formerly of Appleorchard) joined on bass. Stewart made his first appearance on the single "Da-a-a-nce" (1997), a cover of The Lambrettas’ song. Subsequently, Broccoli toured with Leatherface, Snuff, June of 44, and Hooton 3 Car before releasing their second album Home in 1998. This was followed by the Crackle EP, tours with Leatherface and Wat Tyler, another Japanese tour alongside Hooton 3 Car, a split EP with Pinto on Speedowax Records, and the Chestnut Road EP issued via Crackle Records. Their second Peel session was broadcast on BBC Radio 1 on August 9, 1998 as they prepared for a planned U.S. tour with Braid (band).
Disbandment
In 1998, Broccoli embarked on a six-week European tour comprising 25 shows, performing alongside the Texas-based indie rock group Starfish. During this period, an affair developed between Starfish's bassist, Ronna Era, and Broccoli's Grant Myles, which prompted Starfish's guitarist Jason Morales to exit the tour. Subsequently, Myles married Era and moved to Olympia, Washington, which ultimately led to Broccoli dissolving.
The following year, in 1999, Stewart and Gilmour joined forces with Janet Morgan—who would later be associated with Channels (band)—to create the band Shonben. This project lasted for a year, with their only album, 1999, being released posthumously in 2003. In 2001, Stewart became a member of Dead Inside after Larry Hibbitt departed to establish Hundred Reasons.
On 26 January 2002, Broccoli reunited for a performance at a benefit event supporting Martin House Hospice in Leeds, sharing the stage with multiple other artists. They came together once again in 2016 for an eight-day tour across Japan.
Musical style
Broccoli’s sound is frequently described by critics as falling within the genres of emo, emo pop, and fraggle. Vice Media characterized their 1998 release Home as embodying a distinct "Midwest emo" atmosphere. Their music blends modern indie rock elements with intense post-hardcore instrumentation, featuring vocal harmonies, poetic songwriting, forceful guitar work, and gritty vocals that deliver melodies influenced by pop music.
Their artistic inspirations span a wide range of bands including Dag Nasty, Squirrel Bait, Government Issue, Bauhaus, Mega City Four, Led Zeppelin, Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Scream, the Damned, Leatherface, the Replacements, and Hüsker Dü.
Members
- Graeme Gilmour – drums (1989, 1991–1998, 2002, 2016)
- Grant Myles – guitar (1989, 1991–1998, 2002, 2016)
- Paul Ross – bass (1989–1993)
- Benni Esposito – bass (1994–1997; deceased 2005)
- Scott Stewart – bass (1997–1998)
Discography
Studio albums
- Broccoli (1996)
- Home (1998)
EPs
- Broccoli / Muppet Mule (1994; split EP with Muppet Mule)
- International Jet Set / Broccoli (1996; split EP with International Jet Set)
- Crackle (1998)
- Broccoli / Pinto (1998; split EP with Pinto)
- Chestnut Road (1998)