Of all the recently reformed shoegaze bands – Ride, Slowdive and Swervedriver – Lush were the ones with proper attitude. Their music swirled with all the heady delay and reverb that defined that late 80s/early 90s movement, but guitarists Miki Berenyi and Emma Anderson, bassist Phil King and late drummer Chris Acland made it hookier and spikier. And besides, they had wicked hair and sang about how boys were rubbish. It was post-punk on their early material, such as the track Baby Talk from 1990 compilation Gala, then they bridged the gap between shoegaze and Britpop on their final studio album Lovelife. Their last collection of EPs and singles, Topolino, showed how far they were falling for catchier pop. These and the remaining two studio albums feature on Chorus with a smattering of extras – Peel sessions, acoustic versions and remixes. It’s a definitive Lush primer, and songs Ladykillers and Single Girl still bring a wry smile. But it’s also a reminder of how they deserve a place at the head of the 90s indie table.
