The Darling Buds

The Darling Buds formed in Newport, Wales in 1986, Andrea Lewis, Harley Farr, Chris McDonagh, and Jimmy Hughes developing a sound that combined the jangly guitars of the C86 scene with a wall-of-sound density that anticipated shoegaze. Lewis's vocals — warm, melodic, and entirely charming — were the emotional centre of everything they did.

Their debut single 'If I Said' (1987) on Native Records generated immediate critical excitement, and they were signed to Epic Records. 'Pop Said...' (1989) was their debut album, a confident and melodically rich record that produced the singles 'Burst' and 'Hit the Ground'. They were briefly on the verge of mainstream success, appearing on Top of the Pops and earning strong reviews.

The Darling Buds released two further albums — 'Crawdaddy' (1990) and 'Erotica' (1992) — before dissolving in 1993. Lewis subsequently pursued a solo career. They are fondly remembered as one of the more charming and melodically gifted acts of the late 1980s indie scene, and their debut album in particular rewards rediscovery.