Once championed by the late, great John Peel, Irish indie outfit The Would Be’s flame burned brightly, but ultimately all too quickly in the 90s.
Following critically acclaimed early releases and touring with Smiths’ legend Morrissey (‘Kill Uncle’ tour), The Would Be’s imploded during record label wranglings, leaving a sense of “unfinished business” that lingered for the best part of the last two decades.
However, following a notable mention in rock journalist Tony Clayton Lea’s recent book, ‘101 Irish Records (You Must Hear Before You Die)’, the early spark that saw the band knock on the door of international success was rekindled and they returned to the studio to re-write history and pick up where they prematurely left off.
Unafraid to challenge indie norms with a prominent brass appeal, The Would Be’s ‘Ivy Avenue’ sweet female lead vocal recalls Harriet Wheeler at the height of her powers with The Sundays. Combined with their distinct brass leanings and Johnny Marr-inspired riffs and hooks, it’s a refreshing sound and reminiscent of a time when 14 record labels clambered over each other to land their signatures.
A recent return to the live arena saw the band play a packed out Workman’s Club in Dublin and live dates scheduled around the country for the summer include one of the headline slots at Live at Leopardstown 2012.
For a band that enjoyed the accolade of ‘NME Single of the Week’ on several occasions, The Would Be’s know where the benchmark is set and ‘Ivy Avenue’ is as delicate, intricate and on-the-button slice of indie pop as you are likely to hear this summer.
Released on FIFA Records on Friday, June 29
