I’m looking for an excuse here! This single was actually released on October 28, so I am very late reviewing it – maybe better late than never!
Kay’s signature sound incorporates Country, Americana and Rock. Only a short while after the band’s inception in 2024, they have already found success performing at several major UK festivals including; Pub In The Park, Big Feastival, The Vegan Campout, Lakefest and Country Calling. Kay has also supported acts including: The Lottery Winners, Brave Rival, Turin Brakes and Doves. They have independently released several original singles, which garnered them critical acclaim and air play, including slots for BBC Introducing and Radio X. Kay Iris is focused on delivering messages of empowerment, sustainability and mental well-being that echo through distinct compositions that combine ethereal vocals, memorable riffs and thought-provoking lyrics.
We spoke to Kay Iris as well, my editor Mark and I did a piece on them about a year back, so I should have got this out of my intray earlier!
The duo are Matt Patmore and Kay Iris and the single comes complete with another of their great single covers, always interesting!
My review:
The single is out on all platforms now and it is a dark piece of rocking Americana. I don’t know if you have read the book “Holes” at all, but for some reason it reminded me of a soundtrack for that book (actually watch the video and it will become clearer). The track has a hard beat – Kay told us last year,
“ I think we are Americana, but we are still developing our audiences and still growing. I believe we always will have change in there; we may not become heavy metal, but we are really not wanting to be twee.”
It is definitely not twee, it blends quite heavy drums and guitar with simpler breaks, harmonies and a rock rhythm. It is definitely a heavier track than “Stories We Tell” for example, it is harsher, a song for the wasteland.
Thus, in summary, the single is bleak, beautiful, and brimming with bite — a song that stands proudly in mud-splattered boots, staring down uncertainty without flinching. With “The Other Side,” Kay Iris proves they’re not here to polish edges — they’re here to carve new ones. This is the sound of a band pushing their boundaries, walking into the shadows with intent, grit, and a wild, flickering torch held high.
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You can stream music from Kay Iris here
By Lorraine Foley