Words by Tim Hakki @TimHakki
Willie J Healey has already cut a very interesting path through Britain’s indie scene with his uniquely refreshing take on contemporary american alt rock. Less in thrall to any one particular era than his nineties-revivalist peers, ‘Would You Be’ showcases Willie’s Springsteenian ear for a gigantic hook. It’s his most polished moment yet, eschewing some of the lackadaisical slacker-isms of his often exceptional earlier work to create his boldest pop moment yet. Healey thrillingly straddles the line between radio-ready commercialism and authentic credibility and where he goes from here is anyone’s guess. Evidently he’s hitting his stride and starting to find an undeniable voice of his own though.