Well, where to even start with Viva Brother? Formed in 2010 under the original name Brother, they enjoyed a quick rise to fame. A demo of what would be the bands first single 'Darling Buds of May' recieved plays on radio 1 from Zane Lowe who described it as "A beautiful, innocent pop-rock song". The self-proclaimed Gritpop 4-piece were then quickly signed to Geffen Records in October 2010. The band entered the studio at the beggining of 2011 with producer Stephen Street who had previously worked with Morrissey, Blur, and more recently The Courteeners. Shortly after being signed, frontman Leonard Newell began to spread the hype surrounding the band by saying he wants the Slough 4-piece "to be the biggest band in the world".
Controversy occurred in the run up to the release of there much anticipated debut album "Famous First Words". The band were forced to change their name after a legal battle with an Autrailian Celtic band. Viva Brother was the name they went forward with.
Finally 'Famous First Words' hit the shelves on August, 1, 2011. However despite the hype and anticipation surrounding the so-called saviours of british guitar music, the album was met with awful reviews from the likes of NME. It was branded "a dissapointing, formulaic debut album" by the New Musical Express, giving it a cold 5/10. Despite this, I would have to disagree. The album begins with the thumping introduction of 'New Years Day' in which the britpop toned guitars are introduced. 'Otherside' kicks in with a spacey, Noel Gallagher-esque guitar riff before the band batter down the walls and kick into to a chorus. It is clear to see throughout the album the bands desperate attempts to replicate what their Manchester idols Oasis did in the 90's.
The Bands debut album undoubtedly had the potential to start a revolution within the british music scene. However with crictical bashings from NME and fans alike, on April 1, 2012, the band decided to call it day. It was originally thought to be an April fools hoax, but was later confirmed that the band had split. Having recorded a second album that will never see the light of day, these 4 lads from Slough signed off with one more song in 'I Don't Want To Be Loved". As frontman Leonard Newell reveals the bands emotions in a chrorus that goes "I don't want to be loved, but I need to be loved" and "If i snooze the alarm, then will anybody notice Im gone" this is sadly the last we'll hear from Viva Brother.
Famous First Words is definitely worth a listen.
Stand out tracks - Darling Buds of May, New Years Day, Fly By Nights
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