Song Stories: Viola Beach: Boys that Sing

Some songs carry a weight far heavier than the notes played on the record.

When I think of 'Boys That Sing,' I don’t just hear an indie-pop anthem; I hear a snapshot of pure, unadulterated potential. It is the sound of four young men from Warrington, Kris Leonard, River Reeves, Tomas Lowe, and Jack Dakin, standing on the precipice of something massive. 

It’s a song filled with the kind of optimism that only exists when you’re young, in a band, and certain that the world is about to open up for you.

However, that journey was tragically cut short in the early hours of February 13, 2016. While on their first international tour, the band and their manager, Craig Tarry, were killed when their car fell from a bridge into a canal in Södertälje, Sweden. It was a loss that devastated the music community, coming just as they were beginning to realise their dreams.

The Spark of a Debut: 'Viola Beach'

Viola Beach arrived at a time when British guitar music was looking for a new spark, and they provided it in spades. Their self-titled debut album, 'Viola Beach', was released posthumously in 2016, reaching number one on the UK Albums Chart. It wasn't just a tribute; it was a remarkably solid body of work that proved they weren't just "another" indie band.

As the NME noted in their review of the record, the album is a reminder of the "sheer celebratory energy" the band possessed. It is a bright, shimmering collection of tracks that showcase a band with an incredible grasp of melody. While 'Boys That Sing' is the centrepiece, the record is filled with gems that NME described as having a "boundless, wide-eyed enthusiasm":

• 'Swings & Waterslides': The band’s calling card. It is giddy and infectious, featuring a jagged, tropical guitar hook that became the definitive sound of their "summery" indie rock. NME highlighted its "effortless, sun-drenched" feel that made it impossible to ignore.
• 'Like a Fool': A track that kicks off with a catchy synth line reminiscent of early Peace, catapulting into a defiant, shout-along chorus.
• 'Cherry Vimto': A more nuanced, beachy track that shows a hint of melancholy beneath the layers of River Reeves’ sentimental guitar work. NME remarked on its "sweet, nostalgic" pull.
• 'Call You Up': A rare, slower moment on the record. This track shows a surprising level of songwriting maturity, proving the band could handle vulnerability just as well as high-energy anthems.

The Magic of 'Boys That Sing'

'Boys That Sing' is the crown jewel of that record. From the opening drum fill and the interlocking, high-fret guitar lines, the track radiates a "sun-coming-up" energy. It was the first-ever release from the 'Communion Singles Club', a nod of respect from a label known for spotting generational talent, and it isn't hard to see why they chose it.

Lyrically, it’s a classic tale of youthful romance and the transformative power of music. The hook, “And she told me that she loves boys that sing / So I learnt how to sing”—is simple, effective, and deeply relatable. The song even features Kris Leonard's cheeky internal rhymes, like pairing "rhino" with "wino," which gives the track a charming, unpretentious "northern" edge. It’s a song about the lengths we go to for the people we adore, wrapped in a production that feels light enough to float but driven enough to fill a stadium.

But beneath the catchy exterior, there is a grit that comes from their roots. Leonard often spoke about how their music was an act of "escapism" from the industrial landscape of Warrington—a town where, in his words, there was often nothing to do but "drink cider and chase after girls." You can hear that hunger in the track; it’s a song about wanting to be something more, for someone else. It has that rare "indie-disco" quality where you can hear the foot-stomps and see the arms flailing before the chorus even hits. It’s the sound of a band that wasn't just playing for themselves, but for every kid in a grey town who ever picked up an instrument to impress someone.

A Glastonbury Moment for the Ages

Perhaps the most moving moment in the song's history occurred in June 2016. During their headline set on the Pyramid Stage, Coldplay decided to forgo their usual cover of 'Heroes' by David Bowie to honour the young band instead.

Addressing the massive crowd, Chris Martin delivered a speech:

“We’re going to create Viola Beach’s alternate future for them, and let them headline Glastonbury for a song. So Kris and Jack and River and Tomas and their manager Craig, this is maybe what would have been you in 20 years or whatever, I hope we do your song justice. Let’s send it up the charts tomorrow.”

Coldplay performed 'Boys That Sing' synchronised with a video of the band performing the track. Seeing the most famous field in music history erupt into a sing-along for a group from Warrington was a heartbreakingly beautiful validation of their talent. It wasn't just a cover; it was a handover of the stage to five people who deserved to be there.

The Warrington Legacy: Neighbourhood Weekender

The impact of Viola Beach on their hometown is profound. They are woven into the fabric of Warrington’s cultural identity. If you head to the Neighbourhood Weekender festival at Victoria Park, you’ll find the 'Viola Beach Stage.' 

It’s a fitting tribute. The stage serves as a platform for the next generation of rising stars, the "boys and girls that sing" who are just starting their own journeys. It is a permanent reminder that while the band’s journey was tragically cut short, their spirit is still the heartbeat of the local music scene.

Why It Still Matters

Listening to 'Boys That Sing' today isn't a sombre experience. The song won't let it be. It is too fast, too bright, and too joyful to be draped in sadness. As NME aptly put it, the album "serves as a testament to their talent and a reminder of a future that should have been."

Every time that chorus kicks in, it feels like they’re still here, still playing, and still convincing us all to fall in love with the magic of a three-minute pop song. It's still the sound of a band ready to take over the world. 

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