Album Review: 'True North' from Keywest

It’s certainly been an encouraging few years for Dublin-based pop-rockers Keywest. They’ve gone from busking on streets to basking in the bright lights of theatres and festival stages across Europe, while steadily growing their fan-base, thanks to some sterling singles, and a large dollop of old-fashioned elbow grease. True North is the former Hot Press cover stars’ third album and should unlock the door to even bigger mainstream success.

At its roots, it’s a record about being yourself and finding your path in life. As such, fans of The Script, OneRepublic and big, booming ballads in general will adore it. For all of the obvious allure of the chiming, heart-swelling ‘The Fool I Am’ and ‘Hurts Like You’ (a spiritual heir to Extreme’s ‘More Than Words’), it’s the tracks where the four-piece push their sound a little bit harder that really impress.

The shrewdly-titled ‘This Summer’ will be inescapable over the months ahead, and has a satisfyingly spiky guitar riff, and an F-bomb filled hook that’s an absolute knockout. ‘Escape From The City’, meanwhile, sees singer Andrew Kavanagh explore a different side of his voice, with his baritone style adding real gravitas.

Overall, True North is a true gem.

Rating: 7/10