Feline (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1995 in Camden, London, England |
| Founder | Grog |
| Fate | Rebranded as Ultraviolet, later disbanded |
| Headquarters | Camden, London , England |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Feline was an English alternative rock and pop ensemble established in Camden, London, in 1995. Music journalist Mike Pattenden characterized their style as "new goth", merging influences from Eighties groups such as Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Cure with modern artists like The Smashing Pumpkins. Guitarist Drew Richards remarked, "[but] you won't catch us lying around on gravestones".
Lead vocalist Grog described to the music industry press, "They are very cool animals, self-possessed, and they've been potent mystical symbols throughout time," highlighting the band's essence. Originally conceived as Grog's solo venture following her first band's breakup, Feline evolved into a full lineup with the addition of other musicians. Grog also had the band’s emblem tattooed on her shoulder.
Feline secured a major-label contract with Chrysalis Records and released their debut album, Save Your Face, in 1997. Despite favorable reviews from publications like Music Week, NME, and Kerrang!, the band was dropped amid a widespread label roster reduction. Subsequently, the group rebranded as Ultraviolet to pursue another record deal before ultimately disbanding to focus on heavier rock, eventually transforming into the metal act Die So Fluid.
Flinch (1993–1995)
Grog’s initial band, Flinch, attracted industry notice as one of the UK’s most promising new acts in 1994 after releasing their debut EP A Dummy to Love and winning Best New Act at the In The City showcase. They issued two independent singles ("Ordinary (This Can't Be)" and "Faking") on Dilo!, a subsidiary of Vinyl Solution, which led to a live session at Maida Vale Studios for BBC Radio 1's John Peel late that year. Their demo track "Days" was featured on the cult compilation Volume 12, alongside early works by Garbage and Catatonia.
In 1995, Flinch released additional singles "Jamie D" and "Skin Deep", recorded demos for their intended debut album Sincere, and performed at the Reading Festival, with their set broadcast live on Radio One. However, before completing an album, Flinch dissolved due to a lack of commitment and clear direction.
Feline (1996–1998)
Following Flinch’s breakup, Grog brought in manager Drew Richards to co-write material and play guitar for what began as her solo project. By late 1995, Ted Garcia (guitar) and Steve Drew (drums) joined to complete Feline’s lineup as they recorded demos that attracted interest from multiple record companies. In June 1996, Feline signed a global major-label deal with Chrysalis Records, an EMI subsidiary, brokered by label executive Gordon Biggins who had previously discovered Flinch. The band spent their initial year honing their live performances at venues such as Camden’s Barfly and festivals including Phoenix.
The bulk of their debut album, Save Your Face, was recorded in December 1996 at Olympic Studios in London with producer David M. Allen, known for his collaborations with The Cure. Mixing was handled primarily by Pat Collier at Eden Studios, with two tracks mixed by Tom Lord-Alge in Miami. By mid-1997, Feline secured management through Sanctuary and added drummer Mig for a summer tour supporting Kenickie, followed by headlining dates at UK rock clubs including an NME "On" night in July.
Their debut single "Just As You Are" was released on 4 August 1997 in the UK featuring multiple B-sides. It reached No. 81 on the Official Charts. After its music video was A-listed by MTV Europe, the band performed live on the channel and Grog appeared on MTV UK's Superock. The album Save Your Face was launched on 1 September and saw a Japanese release in October with three bonus tracks. Later that year, EMI contributed Feline’s rendition of The Hollies' "The Air That I Breathe" to the charity compilation Come Again.
In early 1998, Feline self-produced new material ("Drama Queen" and "Bad Habit") mixed by Chris Sheldon, who also remixed other album tracks. March saw them touring the UK supporting Catherine Wheel alongside Radiator while distributing a sampler featuring "Can't Help Myself". On 11 May 1998, "Sun In My Eyes" was reissued as a single across various formats with fresh tracks and B-sides; it peaked again at No. 81. The band continued touring with Carrie and appeared at Italy's Beach Bum festival alongside Marilyn Manson among others, adding drummer Al Fletcher for these performances.
Although "Drama Queen" was planned for release in July 1998, it was cancelled after promotional copies circulated. On 3 August, Save Your Face was re-released under the title Feline, repackaged with new tracks produced by Chris Sheldon. Despite these efforts, EMI dropped Feline later that year during another roster purge.
Ultraviolet (1999–2000)
To facilitate securing a new record deal, the band's management advised adopting a new name. Consequently, Feline was rebranded as Ultraviolet, with Drew Richards working on tracks for a follow-up album throughout 1999. Sanctuary issued the single "Unknown" alongside a six-track mini-album titled Memoirs of a Psychopath, which was primarily distributed through independent music retailers. Before the group's dissolution, four additional songs—"Wish You Were Dead," "Advice," "Alive," and "Making Hate"—were produced and mixed by Pat Collier.
Following this period, Grog, Drew, and Al regrouped as Die So Fluid, maintaining an active recording presence over the subsequent twenty years. Grog expanded her profile in the pop scene by contributing bass guitar performances for Melanie C and Kelly Osbourne in 2003. Meanwhile, Ted Garcia became a member of Horsepower before transitioning into a corporate legal career with Pinsent Masons and taking on management duties for the Glasgow-based band San Sebastian.
On 12 December 2013, after more than a decade of being unreleased, Feline's second album Ultraviolet was officially made available for purchase and download through Die So Fluid's Bandcamp platform. This release featured the six tracks from the Memoirs EP, b-sides from the "Unknown" single, and previously unreleased recordings produced by Pat Collier.
In 2016, Strataville reissued Ultraviolet, giving the album renewed distribution.
Albums
- Save Your Face (1997)
- Ultraviolet (2000)
Singles
- "Just As You Are"
- "Sun in My Eyes"
- "Unknown"