Would-be-goods – Tears for Leda (Skep Wax)
With album Tears Before Bedtime landing via Skep Wax in February 2026 iconic indiepoppers Would-be-goods have shared single Tears For Leda
Artist: Would-be-goods
Track: Tears for Leda
Label: Skep Wax
Release date: 5 February 2026
Find it: Bandcamp
We’re less than a week away from the release of album Tears Before Bedtime and indiepop icons Would-be-goods have continued their stellar run of singles with their latest Tears For Leda.
Giving a garage rock take on Greek myth the track once again showcases the storytelling prowess alongside the carefully crafted retro-meets-modern indiepop melodies. The stark warning within the lyrics has to compete with the tug of the hedonistic groove, a timelessness to both the story and the bop.
‘We took it hard and fast / We took it nice and slow / And then he pecked me on the cheek and said / Time for me to go’
Intelligence, wryness and wistful witticism is at the heart of Jessica Griffin’s songwriting, and here Leda’s story is retold in a dreamlike way: innocence and romance to the fore, trickery and stolen agency more subtly woven and gently presented.
Whether you are listening for the moral ambiguity in the myth or here purely for the tune you won’t be disappointed. There’s bouncing rhythm, tickling percussion, and a flourish of guitar all of which invite you toward Modish moves, and becoming lost among it all.
Following on from an unsettling ride on the carousel in The Gallopers, and the foreboding overtones of Dr Love, this latest track from the Would-be-goods further cements their position as one of the most interesting indiepop outfits around.
Tears for Leda by Would-be-goods is out digitally now. Album Tears Before Bedtime is set for release via Skep Wax on 13 February 2026.
Read our reviews of previous singles The Gallopers and Dr Love.
Find Would-be-goods: Bandcamp | Instagram | Facebook | Bluesky
Live dates:
- 21 February – The Water Rats, London
- 25 February – Just Dropped In, Coventry
- 5 March – Music Hall, Ramsgate
- 3 April – The Gate Arts and Community Centre, Cardiff (Wales Goes Pop)
- 29 May – Central Bar, Gateshead
- 30 May – Glad Cafe, Glasgow
Image: Ian Greensmith
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Sarah Lay
A long-standing music journalist she's also co-founder of independent record label Reckless Yes, an author of novels, and when not messing around with words and music, a digital strategist.
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