Never Enough Notes e-zine // reviews + interviews + music

It is a truth universally acknowledged that the Welsh valleys are a hotbed of vocal prowess. The roster of talent produced amidst those famous hills includes the Stereophonics, the Manic Street Preachers- and now, The Keys.

Yet, it’s not just the deep and dulcet vocal stylings of Matthew Evans that brought this band to the forefront of the Welsh music scene- it’s their sheer diversity. Pinning down their sound into one genre is nigh on impossible. The album’s title track, for instance, is a melancholy pop gem- slow, brooding guitars and casually flawless pop hooks. By contrast, ‘Valley Son’ is a sun-drenched psychedelic jaunt, deeply reminiscent of The Mamas and Papas and other 60’s greats. Throw in fuzzy garage-rock guitar riffs, and you come somewhere close to defining the heart of ‘Fire Inside’.

However, although The Key’s range of influences is broad to say the least, this album is not patchy. Every song is indeed unique and quickly identifiable, but they do manage to weave together to create a whole. Each unique sound is an important piece in the overall puzzle that is ‘Fire Inside’. Plus, each style The Keys turn their hands to is performed with finesse and true talent- the guitar skills of Gwion Rowlands are exemplary.

It’s not just me who is enamoured with the quintet- they’ve recently completed tours with Sleepy Sun and Noisettes, and under their previous ‘Murry the Hump’ moniker, counted the likes of Alex James and Joe Strummer as admirers. Needless to say, you’re going to want to buy this album. You’re going to want to sit back and savour. You’re going to want to remember the days you first heard The Keys, because in my opinion, they’re going straight to the top.