What are the first things that spring to mind when one thinks of former boyband star and heartthrob Zayn Malik? One Direction, X Factor, and a horde of young fans would probably be the most common answers to that question, so where do Brighton based rock band Icarus Falls come into play?

It just so happens that Mr Malik is set to release an album by the same name ‘Icarus Falls’ on 14 December, a fact which has inundated Doug Hay, Harvey Wigg, Lawrence Trousdale Smith, Jon Morrison and Josh Harris with likes and messages on their social pages, from those previously mentioned teenage fans.

Just a moment on YouTube shows why the image of Zayn’s followers discovering Icarus Falls’ hard-hitting tracks is almost comical as the difference in their music is so vast.  An amalgamation of Classic, Southern, Grunge and Modern rock, the band have been described as the meeting point between Black Stone Cherry and Alice in Chains – definitely not what Zayn’s army would have expected.

Lead guitarist Wigg says: “Last week we kept getting likes and comments through various social media from Zayn's fans. I’m sitting thinking why are they interested in us? Then we found out why”. 

Appreciating Zayn’s taste in choosing a name and certainly seeing the funny side of the whole incident, he adds:

Although the name is a coincidence and there is quite a contrast between his music and our own, we wish him the best of luck with his album… which clearly has a fantastic name. Ha Ha!" 

Prior to their newfound accidental fame, Icarus Falls released their EP “Venom” back at the beginning of 2018, which helped them secure a slot at Ramblin’ Man Fair at the beginning of July, alongside the likes of Myles Kennedy, Halestorm and Steel Panther.  Videos for the EP’s title track and second single “Protector” - a song referencing child abuse and raising awareness and support for the NSPCC - were released at the end of 2017 and in July respectively.  Unlike many bands in their position, they have the privilege of access to a fully kitted out recording studio and rehearsal space in Wigg’s father’s garage, and as of 04 December, Icarus Falls have gone into what they refer to as “studio hibernation” after their last show of the year at Brighton’s Green Door Store. 

The five-piece are busy preparing to release a third single early in the new year, as well as recording new songs for their follow-up.  If the past 12 months are anything to go by, 2019 looks like it could just be the year of Icarus Falls.  Who knows?  They may well have converted some boyband fans along the way.

Check out the videos for “Venom” and “Protector” below: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki0NY0d1JTs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlaRa4Xvyqs

https://www.facebook.com/icarusfallsukband