Liverpool has always had its share of great guitar bands, and with “Cocodamol,” Keyside show they deserve a place in the city’s rich musical tradition. The band’s jangling guitars, melodic basslines, and infectious hooks might remind you of The La’s, but this song is much more than just a throwback.
Keyside take the classic Merseyside indie sound and turn it into something new, modern, and full of feeling.
Clocking in at just under three minutes, “Cocodamol” sounds confident from the start. Bright guitars play over a tight rhythm section, making the music feel both big and personal. The melodies are catchy, and the chorus sticks with you long after the song ends.
Keyside are clearly connected to Liverpool’s musical roots. The chiming guitars and simple melodies bring to mind The La’s, especially in the song’s warm, natural sound. But Keyside don’t just copy their influences. While The La’s often used poetic and abstract lyrics, Keyside’s songwriting is more direct and honest. Dani-Lee Parker’s vocals are warm and confident, but also show a gentle vulnerability that makes the lyrics feel sincere and personal.
“Cocodamol” explores loose love in party culture,” reveals Parker. “Friends-with-benefits, emotional placeholders, intimacy without permanence. It’s about waking up beside someone and being their painkiller: easing the physical hangover while ignoring the emotional one.”
One of the best things about the song is how its upbeat music contrasts with its thoughtful lyrics. (My favorite: “Life’s heavy when you levy your adrenaline, it’s a reason just to go and take more. Yet I’m there if you care and you call me. Got Netflix and Better Call Saul.”) The bright sound makes you want to listen again, while the words reveal more meaning each time. Not many bands can make music that works both for big festival crowds and quiet late-night listening, but Keyside pull it off.
The guitars are bright but never too much, the rhythm section is steady and focused, and the vocals fit nicely in the mix. The sound is polished but still has character. Instead of following the latest indie trends, Keyside focus on what has always made Liverpool bands great: strong melodies, real emotion, and songs that feel timeless. The influence of The La’s is clear, but Keyside treat it as a point of pride, not something to lean on. They’re building on Liverpool’s musical history while creating a sound that’s truly their own.
With their self-titled debut album now on the horizon (Friday, August 7, 2026), “Cocodamol” is one of Keyside’s best and most complete singles so far. It’s memorable enough for new listeners and deep enough for fans who want to keep coming back.
The best indie music is about more than just great hooks; it’s about leaving a lasting feeling, and this song does just that.
Chris Garrod, July 29, 2026
By the way, remaining tickets to their UK gigs are here: https://www.keysidemusic.com/keyside-gigs
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