They were supposedly part of the Romo scene of the mid-90's according to some, but this was never believed by the band or even fans of the genre, as their songs were guitar based (Romo being mainly synthesisers or their equivalent). They were also lumped in with Britpop for a short while, but they had more sophistication than the hundreds of Oasis wannabes that blinkered labels rushed to sign, and their inclusion in the non-starting genre 'new grave' (as opposed to 'old goth') was based on a slightly gloomy lyrical outlook and the occasional dab of eyeliner. Their sound did feature tiny influences from all genres, but had more in common with the sweeping melodies of Suede's second album or the infectious rush of Placebo (with a less helium affected vocalist).
Singles, like 'Bionic' (a favourite set closer at their gigs), 'Through the Day' and 'Take It' had all the anthemic qualities you'd expect from bands like U2, but with lyrics that were a mixture of blurred sexuality, a downbeat world vision, and also a self-belief that being 'different' was better than being 'normal'.
Sadly, after six singles (one of which was re-issued) and only one album, by the end of 1998 the band were no more, and their label also disappeared, effectively wiping the band's releases from history. For those who were familiar with them, however, Ballroom offered a unique mixture of squalor and glamour that was just as uplifting as it could be depressing, and wrote some damn catchy pop songs in the process!
Before the band were signed, vocalist Gary Prosser was the featured 'model' on the cover of Sleeper's 'What Do I Do Now' single, and after the split he was seen in 2000 fronting a new band called Mr Baker.
IF YOU LIKE THESE, YOU'LL LIKE BALLROOM: Suede, Placebo, Marion, The Smiths, David Bowie, The Longpigs, Morrissey, U2, The Verve, Belle and Sebastian, Gene.