Since re-emerging on the indie scene for a one off gig in 2024 and the release of their debut album, What Took You So Long? London 5-piece iC1s haven’t looked back. The record has amassed over 119k streams on Spotify, they’ve sold out London’s iconic Dingwalls, supported indie legends Inspiral Carpets and their upcoming Manchester show at Deaf Institute next month is close to a sell out too. With new music on the way, including Outta Reach (the first single from album 2) iC1s are clearly making up for lost time and doing it in some style.
The new single, That Was Then, is set for release on Friday 24th April and sees the band in a reflective mood, revisiting the years that shaped them, but with their eyes firmly on what’s coming next.
The song opens with driving guitars and a soaring hook and a tight rhythm section, all wrapped in that classic British indie sound. But what sets this apart is that as soon as you hear it, you know instantly it’s iC1s.
Lyrically it’s a song that direct, honest, and reflects on time and life changes and what slips through your hands. Lines about lost dreams, are instantly relatable, which are really emphasised in the chorus which is just waiting for you to sing along to: But that was then, and this is now my friend.
Frontman Daniel Coburn’s vocal is the focal point of the track, cutting through the mix, while letting the instrumentals, space to shine. The vocal is raw, emotive and packed with real conviction in every word and adds additional punch to the song.
What I like about the song is the balance. It’s packed with nostalgia, but never feels weight down by it. By the end it feels more uplifting than reflective, a real summer-time banger.
That Was Then, isn’t about looking back, it feels like drawing a line in the sand and moving forward, louder and more confident before.
It’s a seriously strong track, honest, anthemic and full of intent. It sticks after the first listen and proves that iC1s are better than ever.
That Was Then is released on Friday 24th April
Gigs
Saturday 2nd May Deaf Institute Manchester
iC1s Socials
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