Singer/guitarist Ian McNabb cannot erase the memory of "Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)" from the minds of music listeners. Released in 1984, "Birds Fly" was McNabb's highest-charting single with the Icicle Works in America. In fact, with the exception of minimal alternative radio airplay for "Understanding Jane" and "Evangeline," it provided the Icicle Works' only U.S. exposure, tagging the band with a misleading one-hit wonder label.
McNabb formed the Icicle Works in 1980 with Chris Layhe (bass) and Chris Sharrock (drums), releasing their eponymous debut LP in 1984.