In a generation of music where people search to be seen, needing to feel heard, Liverpool based band ‘Keyside’ has delivered exactly what’s been asked. Authenticity chased by a strong sense of realness. With their long awaited self-titled debut album. I’m sure it will help navigate the youth and help them feel that little less isolated in a time of darkness.
Touching the hearts of many fans across the country, the soul of the band is led by Ben Cassidy’s unsoiled guitar riffs. Elegantly gliding over the rhythm section, and driven by the juxtaposition of the harsh, reality focused lyrics provided by Dan Parker, as if he were writing a story. Taking over where bands such as The La’s, The Coral and The Smiths left off with a new, youthful indie twang. This album is not one you want to miss.
Keyside understands that first impressions matter, because what a strong song to kick off the album! ‘Runaway’ is fuelled by the utter desire to escape the conflict you’re enduring. The verses display a story of walking on egg shells, desperate for a way out, with the chorus ringing out so simply with the words “I wanna run away with you.” Something so small, but covered with such passion that it’s motivating. Cassidy’s up-tempo guitar line quiets down throughout the verses and picks up in the chorus like it’s imitating the adrenaline of running away and leaving everything behind you. Also, this change in dynamics imitates the uncertainty of an unstable household, rising and falling as suddenly as the flick of a switch.
Keeping on track with that jangly lead line, it invites you in with open arms to listen to the next track on the album, ‘Angeline’. This feel-good anthem is taking you in: its dulcet riffs, bouncing basslines, and the infectious beat driven by Oisín McAvoy just can’t help but make you smile ear to ear. Parker touches on the struggles of addiction, whilst having other responsibilities to take care of. Harshly contrasting with the honey-sweet instrumental -ringing out behind this story-, the catchy chorus is extremely dopamine inducing. Following this ‘Down my way’ keeps the album flowing and if you couldn’t tell already, Keyside’s songs all have a character to them. In the words of Parker himself, “If I can’t find a spirit it’s not worth doing.” This is a turning point in the album. The tempo slightly slowed down, the instrumentals fitting together in an almost Strokes like fashion. This presents more stability compared to the storylines portrayed in the opening two tracks. Displaying growth and independence in this character. “They say whatever they want to say, from today I will make I’m going down my way”.
With an apparent scouse charm, Keyside put their foot on the gas for this perfect spring into summer anthem, ‘Lemon and Lime’. Indulging in wrongdoing with someone you’d shouldn’t be with. Like scratching an itch when you know it’ll only make it worse. “No we won’t slow down”, the adrenaline-soaked lyrics perfectly represent the emotion of feeling unstoppable, that it’s just you and this person in the world, on this night, even though it shouldn’t be. As always Parker’s commentary style of lyricism is supported loud and clear by Cassidy’s sun-soaked guitar tones with Max Gibson mirroring this on his bass, complementing it and excelling it to the ceiling.
Really taking this youthful-indie style into their stride now, Keyside introduces us to ‘Heaven’, the first previously unreleased song on this album. As expected, Keyside did not disappoint. This captions the isolation of being in a household of uncertainty and apprehension, suffocated by drunken parents with arguments breaking down foundations of the walls of what’s supposed to be home. To me it feels as though the guitars are playing sharp and soft in the verses, which I think perfectly mimics the feeling of tip toeing throughout the house, listening in, trying to absorb the noise around you. “It’s like I’m living on a fucking roundabout”, rings throughout my ears and sticks to me like a moth to a flame, Parker’s expressing his frustration of feeling as though you are stuck in a cycle, picking up tempo at the chorus showing the blurred lines clearing, and possibilities for a way out.
Before having time to soak in ‘Heaven’ you’re greeted with another unreleased tune ‘Comedown’, opening the song with “Stepping on a train going out of town”, painting the picture that this character Parker’s created, has found their escape. Showing that it is possible to get off that “roundabout” referenced in the past song. With the fast-paced guitar riffs that glide through the melodies, captivating your attention. Building up the tension, the drums get faster and the vocals get louder. You can really envision running away from home with this tune.
‘Rock My Love’ is three minutes and ten seconds of Keyside wearing their heart on their sleeve, these lads fit together like a glove and this song illustrates that perfectly. With Parker’s thick scouse accent making its presence known, it’s hard to understand what’s getting said. Nonetheless, this is still a tune that I can guarantee you will struggle to sit still through. As if Keyside has slightly laid off the accelerator, ‘Cocodamol’ eases itself into action, not as fast paced or adrenaline filled as the others on this album, but still worth its salt. This is the kind of song you’d play sitting around a campfire with your mates whilst getting sentimental. “I’ll be your Cocodamol”, listening to this song play out gives you a minute to step back and forget everything troubling you, metaphorically this song could be your Cocodamol.
Accelerating back into that feel good motivation kind of tune, Keyside blows us away with ‘Red Ruby Red’. The pulsing beats led by McAvoy carries this song to shore, making you feel carefree and youthful whenever you press play on this tune. ‘Nikita’ starts to drive the album home, with its intimate lyric work provided by Parker, expressing the fears of abandonment, the pure desire for a connection and the emotional vulnerability of feeling invisible. If you’re ever feeling lonely, ‘Nikita’ is your song. Hazy guitar lines tread carefully around the lyrics, with harmonies that fit Parker’s voice like a missing piece of a puzzle.
Smoothly sailing into ‘Michael (What’s Your Call)’, this song stings like an open wound. I think this is the highlight of this album. With the gentle sound of an acoustic guitar luring you into the deep-rooted lyrics giving you a reminder to check in on your friends, “Michael what’s your call? Is your heart still beating?” This song will resonate with so many, whether you’re the one struggling behind closed doors or you know someone that is. Pushing people to reach out and embrace their emotions, ‘Michael (What’s Your Call)’, is the perfect push. Good things must come to an end and Keyside closes their album with ‘Echoes’. Wringing every drop out of their heart out in this final song, confronting grief head on with the lyrics ‘Can you hear me in the echoes’. Unfortunately, grief is inevitable, and it’s definitely not easy either. This song portrays that perfectly, with the repetition, gaps, and build ups. This demonstrates that you’ll never escape the noise of grief, if anything it gets louder over time.
With Keyside releasing this debut album, I know that so many people will now feel heard. Pressing play on this album will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, embracing issues that nobody should have to face, yet are so common. Taking these issues and shining a light on them. The character that Parker develops throughout this album is one of change, maturity and uncertainty, raised in a broken home and forged by a cruel world. This is not an album you want to miss.
Keyside: Keyside – Out 7 August 2026 (Modern Sky)
