Keep Back Ivy is a duo based in Leeds, in our very own county of Yorkshire! The music they produce is electronically inspired, also having a lo-fi rock sound to make them stand ahead of their peers! Their EP, Where We Are Going, was only released last month, so it still sounds perfectly fresh!
By Jane Howkins
Starting the EP out is opener Won’t Forget You, starting out with an eerie guitar melody. The drums have a tribal military style, sounding very different from anything else I’ve heard recently! It helps to create a fantastically eerie atmosphere, as the vocals wrap their way around the vocals stylistically. More and more elements are added subtly over time, with little synth and bassline working their way into the music. It’s certainly a unique sounding song!
Endless Cycle is more of a slow burner, featuring a steady guitar melody that works well with the percussion. The drums start out normally before they change slightly, with the cymbals adding a particularly interesting vibe. The song is very dreamy as a whole, as fuzzy guitar effects add a shoegazey sound to the tune. It’s definitely one of the more experimental songs on the EP.
You Don’t Know Me introduces another distinctive percussive beat, joined by a selection of synths. The backing effects provide a differing quality, making it sound slightly discordant – however, it all works surprisingly well together, creating an immense texture of sound. The vocals don’t always follow the music in time, but they have their own unique flow, fitting the music well.
Title track Where We Are Going closes things out nicely, having a much slower sound than the previous songs on the EP. A slow guitar arpeggio weaves its way in and out of the song, as the vocals follow in turn. The music has a lovely, dreamy sound – whilst it doesn’t change much, there’s still enough here for listeners to enjoy, with the chilled-out vibes settling into the overall mood of the EP well.
Where We Are Going won’t be for everyone as it is on the more experimental end of the dream-pop movement – however, those that give it a chance are sure to love Keep Back Ivy’s sound!
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