Squire

Squire ranked among the earliest and most accomplished mod-revival outfits of the late 1970s, yet commercial acclaim never matched their quality. Comparable to the movement’s originators the Jam, the band fused punk drive with 1960s melodic instincts and refined pop songwriting, thereby moving past standard genre restrictions.

The group originated in Guildford, England, near 1977 as a covers unit featuring Enzo Esposito on vocals and bass, Steve Baker on guitar, and Ross Di’Landa on drums. Songwriter and guitarist Anthony Meynell entered the lineup in June 1978 shortly before a prominent support slot with the Jam. His arrival redirected the band toward original material, resulting in the 1979 single “Get Ready to Go” on ROK Records.

Although that release received radio exposure, wider attention arrived via the rising mod revival and the band’s contribution of two new tracks to the influential Mods Mayday compilation. Ian Page of Secret Affair founded the I-Spy label and signed Squire on the strength of that appearance. Lineup adjustments followed: Kevin Meynell replaced Di’Landa, then Baker departed without a replacement.

In 1979 Squire issued two notable I-Spy singles, “Walking Down the Kings Road,” which charted, and “The Face of Youth Today.” After moving to Stage One Records in 1980, they released “My Mind Goes Round in Circles,” which likewise made little commercial headway. Frustration over limited success prompted dissolution once the last founding member, Esposito, exited.

Anthony Meynell established his own Hi-Lo imprint in 1981 and released Hits from 3000 Years Ago, a set of early demos and unreleased recordings. He reassembled the band, adding Jon Bicknell on bass, and issued the single “No Time for Tomorrow” in 1982. Domestic recognition stayed minimal, yet the compilation attracted notice in America. A brief promotional U.S. tour delayed the proper debut album Get Smart until late 1983. Mainstream breakthrough never occurred, but both that album and the 1984 EP September Gurls, whose title track covered the Big Star classic, later attained cult status in American power-pop circles. Preparation for the follow-up album Smash began, yet the group disbanded before completing it.