Sneaker Pimps

Kelli Dayton

Vocals

Liam Howe

Keyboards

Chris Corner

Guitar, Vocals

Formed: 1994
Location: Hartlepool, Durham, United Kingdom
Genre: Trip Hop, Downtempo
Years Active: 1994 - 2005; 2015 -
Meaning of the Name: Inspired by the Beastie Boys. The group hired 'sneaker pimps' to track down rare shoes.
Way of Working: Led by by Howe & Corner
Associated: Line of Flight

Essential Releases

Becoming X (1996)

Debut album. Trip hop grooves with influences from psychedelic rock.

Bloodsport (2002)

Atmospheric album featuring a stark stylistic shift that incorporates post-punk and alternative rock.

When Kelli Dayton returned from holiday, she had been kicked out of Sneaker Pimps. While she was under the skies of Central America, the group's two remaining members, founders, and childhood friends Liam Howe and Chris Corner, had been experimenting with a new, darker direction, making a necessary pivot away from the terminally ill trip hop.

The split was preceded by a year-long tour of the US that ended disastrously when Howe absconded and refused to return, only informing his bandmates with a hastily scribbled note saying "he had had enough". And just like that... the adventure was over.

In the span of a few short years, Sneaker Pimps had gone from recording music in a bedroom to topping the US Heatseekers Chart with Becoming X (1996). Their sensual trip hop, replete with indie rock, rode the crest of a wave like a graceful surfer only to wipe out in the moment of glory. The group never enjoyed the same success. Their subsequent album, Splinter (1999), reached the meagre number 89 in the UK. Kelli pursued a solo career without much fanfare and now sells oil paintings on her website.

Howe and Corner decided to fire Dayton amidst fears of becoming a stereotypical trip hop band; the genre was becoming passe as the nineties progressed. Howe, a young man isolated abroad, had struggled in America, but people typically persist with successful endeavours despite their difficulties, if only for financial reasons.

Ultimately, success can be measured in more than money; Howe should be applauded for prioritising his mental health over fame and fortune. However, in retrospect, the firing of Dayton was unwise because the exuberant singer had a natural charisma and relatability that appealed to listeners.

Although Sneaker Pimps contributed nuanced layers to the tapestry of trip hop, incorporating prominent guitars and orchestral elements with an enthusiasm the genre often lacked, the group failed to fulfil their enormous potential. They had the accessibility and the pedigree to become a commercial heavyweight of electronic music.

Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?

70

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.

55

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.

80

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.

65

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?

80

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.

65

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.

85

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.

65

Singing

i Technical attributes.

75

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.

80

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?

60

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.

70

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value. Reduced for Pixies due to their post-reunion albums.

80

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?

85

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.

70

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc. With Kelli in the group, they would score 75.

60

Commercial & Critical Success

Awards

Certifications >>>

• Becoming X - Gold in the UK

Charts

Critics

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