KEEF Look Back On Their Youth With New Single ‘Chemical Skies’
Runcorn’s own KEEF have announced their new single Chemical Skies ahead of a new album, using their classic alternative rock sound to pay homage to childhood memories. Producing an anthem of nostalgia, realism and beauty to reflect on growing up in an industrial town in the North West.
From the opening moments of the song, the hazy, psychedelic themes are evidently suggestive of those so popular in the 80s, bringing instant nostalgia to the listener. This is furthered by a move into reflective vocals, reminiscing on “laying in the sun” and “riding bikes”, introducing themes of childhood recollection. Throughout the song, there are snapshots of youth reflected through dreamy guitars and addictive rhythms, but also constructing themes of how these youthful endeavours are the essence of adulthood; “now the times have changed, some things still remain”.
The band explain how “we wanted to create something that felt like looking back at your childhood through a slightly hazy lens”, reflected in the track through the guitar and vocal combinations that create a dreamlike, shadowy sound to portray the beauty and spirit of Northern identity. They continue explaining how the track explores “those weirdly beautiful skies above the factories, the freedom of playing out with your mates all day, the smell of the river and the hum of the plants”, instilling a sense of realism to the listener through raw emotion and storytelling.
Deepening this realism is the combination of catchy melodies, post-punk guitar sounds, and atmospheric production, which constructs familiarity for the listener. You can just close your eyes and picture everything from your own childhood.
This track may not have the romanticisation that many reflective songs have, but instead it is emotive and real. The band stated how “it might not sound idyllic to everyone, but to us, it was magic”. There is not just a creation of beauty in the lyrical imagery, but it also conveys a bitter truth that is beautiful in itself.
This is the soundtrack to reflection, realism and nostalgia – but all in a catchy, psychedelic tune that is reminiscent of epic bands such as Echo And The Bunnymen and The Smiths. As also the title track for the album, if the beauty of Chemical Skies is anything to go by, KEEF’s upcoming debut album is one to look out for.
Chemical Skies is out now.
Follow KEEF Instagram for updates.
