ALBUM REVIEW: Keyside - Keyside

Keyside didn’t ease their way into their debut album ‘Keyside’ , they kicked the door wide open. With driving guitars and soaring choruses, Keyside makes an immediate statement of intent. But beneath the bright and infectious surface of the album, lies something darker. With songs tackling addiction and emotional struggle yet never losing their irresistible sense of melody. ‘Runaway’ establishes the balance of the album immediately. With the upbeat guitar line and expansive chorus, it proves an energetic introduction. The lyrics introduce themes of uncertainty and escape that appear all throughout the record. 

Photo Credit: Ewan Ogden

‘Angeline’ follows with one of the album's most immediate hooks. The track demonstrates Keyside’s ability to build songs around memorable melodies without sacrificing lyrical detail. ‘Down My Way’ takes a more reflective approach, with the arrangement leaving greater space for the vocals and lyrics. The guitar work provides a melodic backdrop rather than dominating the track making it one of the record’s more restrained moments.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvnigZbRAo8

‘Lemon And Lime’ returns to a brighter sound. Its light guitar melody makes it one of the album’s most accessible tracks. The sense of contrast becomes extremely effective on the track ‘Heaven.’ The song visits some darker themes, allowing the emotional weight of the lyrics to emerge gradually throughout. ‘Echoes’ brings the album to a more reflective conclusion. With the arrangement gradually expanding and creating a sense of distance that fits perfectly with the song's themes of reflection.

Keyside’s greatest strength is their ability to combine guitar pop melodies with lyrics that address more complicated experiences. The songs remain accessible, but there is consistently more beneath the surface. For a debut album, Keyside presents a clear sense of identity. Melodic, emotionally observant and rooted in strong songwriting.