Sunscreem are a dance and electronic group from Essex, United Kingdom, formed in 1991 and active since then. The group works across acid house, house, rave, techno and trance, and it is known for combining club production with live performance.

Formation and line-up

Sunscreem forms around Paul Carnell and Lucia Holm, who handle vocals and keyboards. Holm, who has worked as a session cellist, meets Carnell at a warehouse rave in Essex and they decide to form a band. The line-up also includes Rob Fricker on bass, Darren Woodford and Wayne Simms on guitars, Sean Wright on drums, and other contributors over time. The current members listed are Paul Carnell, Rob Fricker, Lucia Holm, Nick Slingsty and Darren Woodford.

Early releases and breakthrough

The group begins with independent singles before issuing Walk On and Pressure, which become moderate hits in Britain. Their cover of Marianne Faithfull’s Broken English follows in 1992 and gives the band its highest UK chart placing, reaching number 13.

In 1993, Love U More and Perfect Motion appear on the debut album O₃, released with major distribution through Columbia/Sony. These tracks become the group’s signature songs and among its biggest hits.

Later albums and releases

Sunscreem release a second album, Change or Die, in 1996. The album produces a run of minor Top 40 singles, including When, Exodus, White Skies and Secrets. After this period, the band leaves Sony and releases New Dark Times in 1997 through its own label, Kali.

Further releases include Ten Mile Bank in 2001 and the compilation Looking at You: The Club Anthems. The band later issues Sweet Life through iTunes.

Remixes and place in 1990s dance music

Throughout the 1990s, Sunscreem’s work is remixed by artists including K-Klass, Jimmy Gomez, Trouser Enthusiasts and Leftfield. Their early profile as one of the first rave-pop groups with live performance ability helps define their place in British dance music of the period.