Ellis Beggs & Howard: The Alternative Rock Trio
Ellis Beggs & Howard is a British alternative rock group formed in the late 1980s. While they did not achieve mainstream chart dominance, the band cultivated a dedicated following through their melodic guitar-driven sound and consistent album output.
Early Career
The band came together in London, England, around 1988, featuring the core trio of vocalist and guitarist Howard, bassist Beggs, and drummer Ellis. They quickly entered the studio to record their debut material, showcasing a polished brand of alternative rock that drew from both British and American influences of the era.
Breakthrough
The group's self-titled debut album, Ellis Beggs & Howard, was released in 1989. This initial release established their musical identity and led to a period of steady productivity, with subsequent albums like 1991's Homelands and 1993's Strange Weather further developing their atmospheric rock style.
Key Tracks
Big Bubbles, No Troubles - This track from their debut album exemplifies the band's early, accessible alternative rock sound with its strong melodic hooks.
World Without Tears - A representative song that highlights the trio's ability to craft emotionally resonant and guitar-centric compositions.
Strange Weather - The title track from their third album demonstrates the maturation and atmospheric depth of their later work.
Following their initial trilogy of albums, Ellis Beggs & Howard continued to record and perform, maintaining their core sound. Their music remains a noted example of the late-80s and early-90s British alternative rock scene, valued for its songcraft and consistency.
Fans of Ellis Beggs & Howard's melodic approach may also appreciate the work of similar UK-based guitar bands. The House Of Love shares a fondness for crafting shimmering, atmospheric rock songs. The La's operated in a similar jangly, melodic guitar-pop vein during the same period. The driving rock energy of The Wonder Stuff also intersects with the alternative rock landscape the trio inhabited.
