Keyside are an unstoppable force from Liverpool, praised for their irresistible hooks and relatable anthems. The four-piece are Dani-Lee Parker (vocals, acoustic guitar), Ben Cassidy (lead guitar), Max Gibson (bass, backing vocals) and Oisín McAvoy (drums), who have been causing quite a stir across the North West’s Indie scene. With a debut album, festival season and plenty more performances on the way, Keyside are easily set to be one of the most talked about emerging bands of this year.
Having produced hit after hit, and gaining valuable recognition for their musicianship through airplay on BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music, Keyside have acquired a fierce following since their debut single Lights Out, released in 2022. Having found their unique sound, comprised of dopamine-infused melodies and infectious grooves, the band have gone on to produce fan favourites, notably Nikita and Runaway. Amongst other releases, both of these tracks feature on Keyside’s self-titled debut album, set to be released on the 7 August 2026.
Recorded at Kempston Street Studios with producer Chris Taylor, who has worked with The Coral and Blossoms, to name but a few, Keyside’s debut album has been a long time coming. What primarily binds their music together is the energising feeling of summer that courses through the veins of each song. Therefore, it feels fitting that Keyside is being released this August.
The debut of their single Lemon And Lime earlier this year was the first real insight into Keyside’s fresh additions to their upcoming album. Infused with hope and passion, Lemon And Lime was the first of several unheard anthems to get excited for. In May, Keyside played a secret headline set at The Jacaranda, Liverpool, for those quick enough to snag tickets, where they played their debut album from start to finish. Amongst these tracks was Cocodamol, which was officially released in June.
This sparky, emotionally thoughtful song moves away from deep-cutting themes of difficult relationships and mental health, present in Keyside’s previous work, to carefree, blurry nights. Discussing the narrative of Cocodamol, Dani-Lee Parker shares all: “Cocodamol” explores loose love in party culture […] Friends-with-benefits, emotional placeholders, intimacy without permanence. It’s about waking up beside someone and being their painkiller: easing the physical hangover while ignoring the emotional one.”
It’s this talent for creating such fascinating commentary on a universal experience which puts Keyside ahead of the rest. The composition of the track itself appears fairly simple from the first play, but it’s this easy listening that lets the lyrics speak for themselves. The imagery of medication runs throughout the song, “Baby I’m a pill on the side / I’ll be your cocodamol”, supporting impressions of temporary relief and surface-level connection. The bridge is an eye-watering acceptance of the foolish inhibitions explored in the narrative, as the song closes with the familiar authenticity and brightness that is Keyside.
Keyside – Cocodamol (Official Video)
Summing up Keyside’s work perfectly, but resonating with Cocodamol in particular, music and culture website God Is In The TV describes their music as: “An encyclopedia of gritty, beautiful and open-heartedly honest Gen-Z experience”
With four tracks left to be discovered on Keyside, following its release, it leaves fans wondering, what now? Thankfully, Keyside have it covered with a set of intimate performances and meet-and-greets starting on the 6 August. The band are heading all over England and Scotland to infamous venues including their hometown’s Jacaranda Baltic in Liverpool.
With a packed summer ahead of them, including support slots with Red Rum Club and The Lathums, Keyside are sure to gain even more followers along the way as a result of their memorable live performances. For fans of The Strokes, The Smiths or more currently Sombr and Djo, Keyside’s momentous homecoming show might be of interest. Playing Mountford Hall, Liverpool, in December, will be a culmination of Keyside’s hard work, passion and connection.
A band who provide voice, understanding and escapism to listeners, while creating intricately beautiful songs, Keyside are an inspiring new four-piece, ready to become a household name.
Keyside’s debut album is released on 7 August. It’s available to pre-order now.
Follow Keyside on Instagram @keysideliverpool or visit keyside.os.fan for updates.
