Daniel Coburn, the front-man and chief publicist of The IC1s, talks to SEAN MARLAND about their ambitions for the years ahead
Sitting in The Good Ship on Kilburn High Road, Daniel Coburn tells me: "Obviously we want to be the biggest band in the world. I want other bands who watch us to want to be just like us."
Then he smiles and says: "Only joking. But not about that first bit."
The Pinner-based fivepiece seem to be a regular bunch of lads. One of them even works for Brent Council.
Daniel Coburn, Robin Hayes, Swag (Alex Hinchcliff), Andy Faulkner and Jake the Snake have only officially been known as The IC1s for six months, but have achieved much in a short space of time.
"We all met playing pool in the Pinner Arms," explains Daniel. "It was like fate - these boys were a band who needed a lead singer and I was a lead singer without a band."
Within three months of forming they were playing gigs around the city, had written a collection of catchy tunes, and picked up some very enthusiastic fans.
"The gig we played at the Barfly in December has been the highlight so far. We dedicated it to the memory of our friend Mark Hammond, as his memorial service was the day before. Everything we do now is with him in mind," adds Daniel reflectively.
The IC1s definitely put you in mind of Oasis during their mid-'90s exuberance. Jake, Swag and Robin are an understated set of guitarists complimented by a brash and confident frontman. Daniel's brio provides a bridge between the stage and the audience, sometimes literally.
Their set begins steadily before building in intensity, and culminating in the pulse-raising Never The Now during which Coburn walks from the stage, leaving the rest of the band playing to an ear-battering crescendo.
Daniel has been part of the scene for a few years and has definitely found his niche as a lead singer.
The rest of the guys are a little more laid back, and seem happy to let him be the group's focal point.
"Daniel writes most of the songs, but the rest of us are doing more and more. Everyone definitely brings their own flavour to the band," says Swag. "We haven't really got an actual sound yet. It's not nailed down."
So what will 2009 bring for The IC1s?
"We've got to show the people who come to see us that we believe we're going to make it. If we don't then how do we expect anyone else to," Daniel explains, as the rest of the boys nod in agreement.
Jake laughs: "Yeah, then all we've got to do is get signed."
*The IC1s play The Trinity Bar in Station Road, Harrow, on Tuesday February 19. Catch their music at www.myspace.com/coburnmusic1
