The Would Be's

After 20-years out, Kingscourt outfit The Would Be's are back with a brand new single.

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.

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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, along with Johnny Marr-inspired riffs and hooks, combined with their distinct brass leanings is as refreshing a sound and reminiscent of a time when 14 record labels clambered over each other to land their signatures.

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.

See this week's Celt newspaper for an interview with trombone/sax player Aidine O'Reilly recalling the rapid rise and fall of the band. Here's what Aidine said were highlights from their heyday:

"We went to London, on one trip we were put up in this rock 'n' roll hotel in Hyde Park and The Stranglers were there, Inspiral carpets, New Kids on the Block and a few other well known bands - and our 14-year-old guitarist (Paul) went missing and we couldn't find him.

"Eventually we found him sprawled among groupies and the Grateful Dead - that was a good time!

"Around the next day we were playing the London School of Economics and it was around the time that John Peel was playing us non-stop and we were doing support, and the crowd was going mental and when we were finished the crowd all left and there was noone there for the main main band. That just felt like wow - this is kind of crazy."

Here's what Aidine had to say about meeting Morrissey (yes Morrissey!):

"We supported Morrissey on his Kill Uncle tour. I was in the room and I was a huge Smiths fan - we all were. We were Morrisey's favourite single of 1990 - he asked for us specifically to be the support in 1992.

"He invited us into his dressing room and made us a cup of tea - I think I just managed to blurt out 'One sugar and milk please'. He was quoting our lyrics and everything he seemed to be very knowledgeable.

"Paul (Finnegan) the guitarist met him years later - like about five years ago, crossing the Ha'penny bridge in Dublin and said 'How's it going, I'm Paul from The Would Be's' and he (Morrissey) was saying, aw yeah and started quoting lyrics again. Paul was completely and utterly bowled over about - we still are. It's really nice to have that seal of approval of someone like him- someone who we idolised."