Chapterhouse

Chapterhouse emerged from Reading in 1990 as part of the Thames Valley scene, releasing the genre classic Whirlpool the following year. They were regulars at the Camden Underworld and the other venues where the scene's key figures gathered—it was at a Moose gig that journalist Steve Sutherland spotted Chapterhouse's Andrew Sherriff in the crowd and coined the phrase "The Scene That Celebrates Itself." In the summer of 1991 the band toured Europe and shared a bill with Nirvana at Ein Abend in Wien in Rotterdam, a pairing that made the gap between scenes almost comic: Cobain's raw nerve against Chapterhouse's studied haze.

At a glance

Active

1987–1996, 2008–2010

From

Reading, UK

Listening guide track

“Mesmerise”

Listen

In the Shoegaze and Dreampop listening guide: “Mesmerise”

In the issues

• 008
  Shoegaze and Dreampop

  Supporting cast · 1982-1997

  Shoegaze and Dreampop is a genre from Thames Valley and London, UK, 1982–1997. Its principal artists include My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Ride and Cocteau Twins. This issue covers 10 essential albums and 16 dated events.