Viola Beach, Viola Beach review: Summery tribute to a band whose life was cut short

Debut: Viola Beach release their debut, posthumous, album
PA
Andre Paine29 July 2016

No band's debut album should be a posthumous release.

The four members of Viola Beach and their manager were killed in a car accident in Sweden as they were on the cusp of success.

These nine tracks focus attention away from that tragedy and onto the Cheshire group’s uplifting songs.

Their first record wasn’t quite complete, though this collection — approved for release by their families — suggests they had a winning way with sunny indie tunes.

Swings and Waterslides has a hint of Bombay Bicycle Club’s chiming guitars and grooves, while Like a Fool marries a trilling world music riff to a rousing chorus.

Boys That Sing, covered by Coldplay at Glastonbury, should have been their own summer festival anthem.

The best tribute would be for Viola Beach’s debut to make the top 10.

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