Leitrim teacher brings critically-acclaimed band to Leitrim Village this April!

The Would Be’s are one of Ireland’s most appreciated Indie Pop bands, famously earning the adoration of the legendary BBC1 DJ, John Peel (No.12 In John Peel’s Festive 50, 1990), who championed their debut single, I’m Hardly Ever Wrong, in the early 90s. 

Their sound could be described as a sophisticated blend of jangly guitars, brass flourishes, intelligent wordsmithing and with Julie’s distinct vocals, they captured a specific brand of indie magic that saw them outperform many of their contemporaries on the UK indie charts, claiming Single of The Week in The NME and Melody Maker on several occasions.

Despite a lengthy hiatus, their 2013 comeback album, Beautiful Mess, was met with widespread critical acclaim and the band have shared stages with icons like Morrissey, The Frank and Walters and The Stunning. 

Beautiful Mess was soon followed by the critically acclaimed Bittersweet EP in 2015, which further showcased their distinct blend of intricate brass and Harriet Wheeler-esque vocals. 

READ MORE: Two men charged after stolen motorbikes recovered in Leitrim

The critical reception for their new album HindZeitgeist (released May 2025) has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviewers praising the band for maintaining their quintessential sound while embracing a new "DIY" maturity.

Preceded by infectious singles like Two Wrongs (Made Me Feel Alright), Stay Tuned, and That's How It Gets You!, the album has been hailed as a "cracker" by critics. From limited edition "analogue magnetic tape" releases to high-energy live performances at festivals and iconic Irish venues such as Whelan’s, Vicar Street and The Cork Opera House, The Would Be’s continue to connect with a new generation of listeners.

Their current Album and back catalogue can be purchased from their Bandcamp Page https://thewouldbes.bandcamp.com/music

The band can also be found in the usual places, @thewouldbes Instagram, @thewouldbes “X”, @thewouldbesofficial Facebook, Spotify and YouTube.

Upcoming live dates include:

M.J. O’Connor’s Leitrim Village, 18th of April 2026

Whelan’s Upstairs, Dublin, 15th of May 2026

The Cavern Club, Liverpool, England, International Pop Overthrow Festival, 26th of May 2026.

Reviews and Praise for HindZeitgeist

The Irish Times: Awarded the album 4 STARS, with critic Tony Clayton-Lea highlighting the record's sophisticated evolution.

The Irish Independent: Described the album as a "cracker," noting that while the band was destined for greatness in the 1990s, this long-awaited second album proves they never truly went away.

The Irish Times: In the 10 BEST IRISH ALBUMS OF 2025

Tom Dunne (Newstalk): Album of The Week for three weeks in a row.

Seamus Enright (Anglo Celt): the album blends “catchy melodies with emotional depth, The Would Be’s tread a line between existential questioning and well-crafted nuanced pop”

John Meagher (Irish Independent): “a band who haven’t forgotten how to write jangly pop songs…….impressive”

Paul Mc Dermot (music documentary maker): Top 5 Albums of the year.

Spindizzy Records: Hailed it as a "delicate, intricate, and on-the-button slice of indie pop" that stands as a must-hear for the summer.

The Anglo Celt: Noted that the band successfully stuck to their "original sound" of bittersweet lyrics and 60s-style jazz brass, while also acknowledging a strong "Smiths'y element" and Johnny Marr-influenced guitar work.

Pete Holidai’s: Best Album of 2025

Le Village Pop: Album of The Week

Dublin City FM: Featured Album of The Week

Limerick City FM: Album of the week

Hits Radio: Album of The Week

Cowboys and Indies: Album of The Week

The Daily Earwork: Featured Album of The Year

Eddie Joyce (Irish Music Hour): Album of The Year

Ben Mc Cormack Show, Over The West Radio: Album of The Week

David Bash (International Pop Overthrow): In his Top 50 International albums of 2025