The Liverpool indie-rock quartet certainly are breathing in rarefied air at the moment. On a promotional tour to plug their eponymous debut long-player, the four-piece are in jubilant spirits - and why not?
With the opportunity to perform in front of a packed crowd of eager fans clutching albums and CDs ready to be signed after the show, it’s easy to see why Rough Trade showcases are such a great stepping stone for new bands such as Keyside. Plus, they give an exciting opportunity for young fans - with no over 14 or 18+ restrictions - to attend, too.
Blending the best bits from hometown heroes The Coral, The La’s and The Zutons, Dan Parker & co are a tight, full-sounding outfit who have clearly worked on their version of the apocryphal 10,000 hours to get them in shape for everything that is about to come their way.
Mixing old and new tracks with a tale or yarn about its inception before every performance, new album tracks Nikita, Cocodamol and the joyously lilting Heaven hit home early, while fan favourite Lemon and Lime and the holiday banger Comedown has Greek island poolside Bluetooth speaker written all over it. Down My Way possesses Cornershop Brimful of Asha vibes, while Paris To Marseille, powered on by drummer Oisín McAvoy’s propulsive beats, sparks a big sing-a-long.
In Parker, Keyside have a powerhouse singer with a dry sense of humour and plenty of stage presence plus an uncanny resemblance to Lee Mavers, fronting a band who are clearly having the time of their lives.
Keyside return to Nottingham in December for a show at Rescue Rooms. On this evidence, expect their star to rise further by the time the trees are decorated and the lights are up...
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