KEYS are back on the splendid Libertino for their eighth album. Now into their third decade and having never released a mediocre note. I love them. The one frustration that I have is that I just don't understand how a band of this quality are not massive. Their social media following is pitiful in relation to the brilliance of their output.
I suppose what you might label them Intelligent Indie these days, but I defy anyone to be able to produce two different songs such as What Flavour? and The Greatest Joke Of All. The former, all early XTC, the latter wonderful beautifully arranged melodic Pop Rock.
The Psych Pop is thankfully not forgotten. My Temporary Game is as great an example of the genre that you could wish for. Who Stands To Gain is a very 80s, bass guitar driven, a heady mix of Post Punk and the more interesting side of 80s Indie Guitar. It builds perfectly.
Your Shoes is great beat driven 1978 UK New Wave. What Do I Have To Do is a much heavier affair, a great album closer. Almost Cock Rock in parts, very different to what surrounds it, it may be my biggest surprise and my favourite song on the album. A real fist shaker.
KEYS are still known as Welsh wonders when a musical wider world is screaming out for this level of ability. If you want an anthem for now listen to There Is No I In Teams. Matthew Evans is at the top of his songwriting journey. This is, without doubt, Album Of The Year Material.
You can listen to and the album everywhere including here.
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