Elastica, who rode the "new wave of new wave" with their self-titled 1995 debut, are finally ready to start paddling again. After releasing the new U.K.-only Elastica EP on Aug. 23, the band will play Britain's Redding and Leeds Festivals on Aug. 27 and 28.|

Some lucky folks won't have to wait until then to see the elusive Britpoppers. If you find yourself traveling England's countryside in the next two weeks and see that some suspiciously named band (perhaps "Acitsale" or "Stretchy"?) is playing the local pub, stop in for a pint. According to management, Elastica plan to play a few pseudonymous, unannounced Festival warm-up shows in "way out of the way places."

The band will be test-driving a new lineup. Original members singer/guitarist Justine Frischmann and drummer Justin Welch are joined by founding bassist Annie Holland (who's back after ducking out during 1995's Lollapalooza tour), guitarist Paul Jones, and keyboardists Dave Bush and Mew. Guitarist Donna Matthews quit the band earlier this year.

In addition to dusting off favorites like their alterna-radio hit "Connection," Elastica will be prepping new songs from the EP and their upcoming as-yet-untitled second album, which is due early in 2000.

BILL CRANDALL
(August 18, 1999)