The British band Republica was formed in 1996 by former Flowered Up keyboardist Tim Dorney , and quickly came to popular attention with their debut single Ready To Go, and its follow-up Drop Dead Gorgeous. The Republica sound was described by lead singer Saffron as "techno-pop punk rock", although Melody Maker took to calling it 'electronica'. The band's self-titled debut album was released in July 1996, and reached number four in the album charts. However, their follow-up album Spead Ballads and its lead single From Rush Hour With Love only reached number 37 and 20 respectively, and the group dissolved shortly afterwards. During its lifetime, the group - and particularly lead singer Saffron - attracted much positive press coverage; emerging after a wave of female-fronted rock bands (such as Elastica, Lush, Sleeper, Echobelly, and Kenickie), they had, like Garbage, a notably more aggressive and electronic sound.

Saffron was born in Nigeria, and claims Portuguese, Chinese and English ancestry. Outside of the band, she was also the featured vocalist on The Prodigy's Fuel My Fire, from their 1996 album The Fat of the Land.

As of 2003, they are not currently recording together, with Saffron now working on a new band called Swarm Swarm . Keyboardist Tim Dorney recently reunited with fellow former Flowered Up band member Liam Maher , but split up in late 2002. Johnny went off to a band called Cheap Glue .

Members

• Saffron - vocals
• Tim Dorney - keyboard
• Johnny Male - guitar
• Pete Riley - drums

Discography

See also

• Sneaker Pimps
• 1990s music groups
• List of alternative music artists

External links

• Republica's official web site
• All Music Guide entry for Republica