Rialto are a British band celebrated for their cinematic pop sound, evocative songwriting, and enduring influence on late 90s alternative music. Emerging in the wake of frontman Louis Eliot and guitarist Jonny Bull’s previous band, Kinky Machine, Rialto formed with bassist Julian Taylor, keyboardist Toby Hounsham, and drummers Pete Cuthbert and Anthony Christmas, creating a rich, orchestrated sound that set them apart from their Britpop contemporaries. Fusing haunting melodies, storytelling lyrics, and lush instrumentation, the band became known for their intelligent approach to pop, offering something both timeless and distinctive.
Their self-titled debut album, released in 1998, earned widespread critical acclaim, with Melody Maker hailing their “fairytale future of Oasis-like proportions” and The Telegraph describing them as “among the most critically acclaimed new groups to emerge” during that period. The record produced three UK Top 40 singles, including the Top 20 hit Untouchable, and built them a devoted fanbase across the world, particularly in South East Asia, where the album achieved double platinum sales. The band followed up with their second record, Night on Earth, in 2001, further cementing their status as one of the era’s most creative and enduring acts.
After a period away from the spotlight, Rialto have returned to both the studio and stage with renewed passion and purpose. Their latest release, issued on Fierce Panda, has received glowing reviews from Mojo, The Times, Uncut, and Record Collector. The lead single, No One Leaves This Discotheque Alive, has been especially well received, reaffirming the band’s gift for crafting emotionally charged and sonically rich pop music that connects with both loyal fans and new audiences.
Rialto have recently been touring alongside major acts from their era while performing headline shows and festival appearances, including a successful run in China that showcased their international appeal. In 2025, the band will embark on a new tour to support their upcoming album Neon and Ghost Signs, a record that blends their signature cinematic sound with a modern edge. With critical acclaim, global recognition, and a catalogue of beautifully crafted songs, Rialto remain one of Britain’s most intriguing and beloved bands.
