It has felt like a long time coming for the release of The K’s debut album. The Earlestown band have delivered a dynamic, lyrically inventive, and captivating masterclass of a debut LP. On the verge of a meteoric rise to fame, this indie foursome transforms stories into hits driven by catchy, politically charged lyrics and the kind of tunes that will be belted out in sold-out arenas up and down the country.
With the release of their first single, ‘Sarajevo’, in July of 2017, the band have amassed a devoted and enthusiastic fan base. The debut album includes tracks which are instantly recognisable to fans, like ‘Valley One’, which was released in 2020, and ‘Chancer’, which was released in March of last year. The album’s opening track ‘Icarus’, features soft, orchestral strings that then come alive through racing guitar riffs alongside lead singer Jamie Boyle’s distinctive vocals. The tune creates a potent sense of possibility with its heart-pounding lyrics: “Feathers burn cause I get too high, Icarus falls out of the sky” portraying a real sense of hope and fear.
Elsewhere on the album, especially on ‘Throw It All Away’ which delves into the current social and emotional topics of identity difficulties and self-doubt, are themes of coming within close range of success before ultimately falling short. Similarly, ‘No Place Like Home’ is driven by incredible drum beats from Nathan Peers as well as some stunning bass lines from Dexter Baker. ‘Chancer’, is a song that perfectly captures everything that Northern Indie music is and is unquestionably The K’s. Boyle’s unique voice combined with Ryan Breslin’s guitar chords are a recipe for success. The album is comprised of narratives conveyed through striking lyrics, one of which is ‘Black and Blue’. The track’s a true testament to Jamie Boyle and Ryan Breslin’s incredible songwriting collaboration.
Adding two stunning ballads to their discography, ‘Hoping Maybe’ and ‘Lights Go Down’ also provides their fan base with a fresh perspective. These tracks allow the four-piece the opportunity to display their musical and melodic abilities in a variety of verses and choruses, keeping their distinctive K’s sound but using a much softer and more subtle approach. A small Northern town’s experience is also aptly captured in the song ‘Hometown’. The album as a whole is characterised by the lyrics’ descriptive working-class nature. With its fast-paced vocals, ‘Heart On My Sleeve’ is an extremely energetic song, featuring an upbeat chorus and intense guitar solos. It is a track that is destined to be performed in front of thousands of people.
The K’s have gone from strength to strength, and their debut album perfectly captures who they are and what they’re all about. ‘I Wonder If The World Knows?’ is a triumph for the band, brimming with a bold and unapologetic energy. The K’s debut has all the potential to be the soundtrack for a new generation.
Words by Keira Knox