The Would-Be-Goods made some lovely music in the past, for a variety of legendary labels, and the return of this group is something to celebrate. Jessica Griffin and crew offered up a seemingly refined sort of indie-pop, one where the arrangements and lyrics paired with precision and thoughtfulness. As before, it is now, as evidenced by the tunes on the group's new record, Tears Before Bedtime, out this week on the fine Skep Wax imprint.
Lead single "The Gallopers" rides forward on chiming guitars, while the sharply observed "Dr. Love" brings a smile of awareness at the observations Jessica Griffin unfurls. "Tears for Leda" nods in the direction of Greek myth for inspiration, and mod bands for those crunchy hooks. The spry "Don't Come Crying to Me", a highlight here, is horn-laced, with a wit that seems an updating of the earlier stuff from Would-Be-Goods. The sound on that one, and on the fuzzy "Witch Hazel" is bigger in some ways than older offerings from this lot, and it's also refreshingly full of vigour which suggest more bands from the glory days of indie-pop should be making a similar comeback.
The Would-Be-Goods sound in 2026 is built upon the strengths of Jessica Griffin who is joined here by Peter Momtchiloff (Heavenly, Talulah Gosh) on guitar, Debbie Greensmith (Thee Headcoatees and many others) on drums, and Andy Warren (The Monochrome Set, Adam and the Ants) on bass. Tears Before Bedtime is relatively modest in terms of the instrumental setup, but wildly ambitious in styles attemped by this lot, and the moods conveyed by the individual songs. As with most Would-Be-Goods records before this one, there's an intimacy here, with Jessica sharing carefully honed and seemingly private observations and feelings, even as the music conveys a nuanced approach which is unique to this band among so many indie peers from the same era. Quietly witty, and heartfelt in a smart way, Would-Be-Goods songs are, as always, carefully crafted but not belabored. And even with such precise intent on display in her work, Jessica Griffin uses a remarkably light touch, with each track here feeling unique in mood while maintaining a pleasingly listenable tone. Taken as a whole, Tears Before Bedtime is one of the best records in recent months, and another in a string of Would-Be-Goods releases worth treasuring.
Tears Before Bedtime by the Would-Be-Goods is out on February 13. Details via Skep Wax.
The Bandcamp listening party for Tears Before Bedtime is today, February 11, at 3 PM EST. Details here.
The Would-Be-Goods are playing at the Water Rats in London with Helen McCookerybook, and Railcard (Rachel Love from Dolly Mixture) on February 21, 2026. Details and tickets are here.
[Photo: Ian Greensmith]