EMF

EMF are a British alternative dance-rock group from Cinderford in Gloucestershire, England, formed in 1989. They are best known for the 1990 single “Unbelievable”, which becomes a major UK and international hit and establishes the band’s early sound: pop hooks mixed with indie rock, dance music and samples.

Early line-up and name

The core line-up includes James Atkin on vocals and guitar, Ian Dench on guitar and keyboards, Derry Brownson on keyboards and samples, Zac Foley on bass, and Mark Decloedt on drums. The group name is used in different ways, including “Epsom Mad Funkers” and “Ecstasy Mother Fuckers”, and the band does not settle on one single meaning.

Breakthrough and major releases

EMF sign to EMI/Parlophone after only a handful of gigs. Their first run of singles includes “Unbelievable”, “I Believe” and “Children”, and their debut album, Schubert Dip, appears in 1991. The album contains their early singles and reaches the top of the UK chart. In the United States it reaches number 12 on the Billboard 200, and tracks such as “I Believe” and “Lies” also become Top 40 hits there.

The album’s single “Lies” draws attention because it uses a sample of John Lennon lyrics recited by Mark Chapman, which leads to objections from Yoko Ono’s lawyers. The band’s early work also includes a strong visual identity, with a hedonistic, baggy-clothes image that places them within the wider early-1990s indie dance scene.

Later 1990s work

EMF follow Schubert Dip with Stigma in 1992. That record is promoted by the single “They’re Here” and the Unexplained EP, which includes a cover of the Stooges’ “Search and Destroy”. The album takes a harder, less straightforward approach than their debut and receives a weaker response commercially.

After a period in which the band tours or is inactive, they return with the single “Perfect Day” in 1995. It is followed by Cha Cha Cha, from which “Bleeding You Dry” is released as a single. Later in 1995 they record a cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” with Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer, and they also release “Afro King”. The band is then dropped by their label and ends that phase of activity.

Breaks, reunions and later work

EMF reform in 2001 and release a greatest hits album. They play reunion shows in the UK, including a sold-out London Astoria date. Zac Foley dies in January 2002, after which the remaining members play a small number of further shows before stopping again.

The band later reform again and continue performing in England. In 2022 they release new material, including the single “Sister Sandinista” and the album Go Go Sapiens. Two years later they release The Beauty and the Chaos, which is their fifth studio album.

Style and significance

EMF are associated with alternative dance-rock, indie rock, rock and grebo. Their early success makes them one of the best-known British groups to emerge from the early 1990s indie dance crossover, and “Unbelievable” remains the defining song of their catalogue.