New Music: Keyside – Nikita

Merseysiders Keyside have just dropped their four-song Nikita EP and have also released a nostalgia-tinged video to accompany the touching title track.

The quartet doesn’t hide their musical influences, with the sounds of The La’s, Cast, and The Lightning Seeds to the fore in the arrangement, while The Beatles can often be heard in the harmonies. The arrangement looks to the indie-pop of Manchester too; but it’s the lyrics and vocals that really set the song – and EP – apart.

Dan Parker’s lead vocals are full of passion, while the pop-oriented melody doesn’t distract from the vivid imagery retold in the lyrics. A deeply intimate song, the lyrics explore fears of abandonment, the struggles of feeling invisible and uncherished, and a yearning for connection, all dealt with in a stark yet sensitive manner.

Nikita is quite the bop on the surface, but repeated listens showcase the craftsmanship and emotional depth behind a track that initially comes across as an easy-going entry into the annals of indie anthems.

Keyside are busy on the live front, with support slots on the horizon with Seb Lowe and Ocean Colour Scene live dates and headline shows in Liverpool and Manchester already announced. The Nikita EP is out now and can be heard on all major digital platforms including Spotify, YouTube, and Deezer. Check out Keyside’s TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram socials for news on the EP and ticket details for upcoming gigs.