Much hyped Merseyside four-piece Keyside mix Alex Turner-esque social commentary with classic, often Smiths-like instrumentation and are taking the UK by storm right now.
This, their second EP – Michael (What’s Your Call?) – came just before they headed off on a UK mini-tour including several sold-out dates. This tour was hot on the heels of supporting Blossoms and The Royston Club in late 2024. The last of their current run of dates – at London’s Lexington on Tuesday 25/03/25 – you might just be able to catch if you’re quick.
January 2025 saw Keyside thrust into the limelight at Liverpool’s world-famous Cavern Club with Mantra of the Cosmos – the indie supergroup featuring British rock royalty Shaun Ryder, Bez, Andy Bell and Zak Starkey. As well as opening the show with Keyside, Vocalist/lyricist Dan Parker also had the distinct privilege of standing in for Noel Gallagher on guest vocals.
Keyside specialises in bright melodies and considered composition and blends the vibe of post-Libertines indie bands like The Wombats with old-school tones of acts like Cast. The EP is heartfelt, catchy, and slick, with subject matter ranging from youthful highs (and indeed lows) to societal challenges and from trials and tribulations to vices and virtues. Parker is a rare breed and his vivid, evocative and empathetic writing would not be out of place alongside Lee Mavers, Miles Kan,e and James Skelly.
These boys have featured on BBC Radio 1, BBC 6 Music, Radio X, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash, and more and it’s not hard to see why. The only way is up.
Written Kinda Grizzly
