4 years after KOYO last gave us some new music, in the shape of their second album You Said It, the Leeds quartet are back with an explosive double release.
2 new tracks dropped at the beginning of August – La Cucaracha and Mechanical Bull – and lead off a series of releases that will culminate in the release of 3rd studio album Onism.
La Cucaracha – translating as the cockroach – is an ode to perseverance, endurance and survival. Notable is the “never-ending riff” that represents a signature sound for the band. The prog influenced, psychedelic sound shows the band at their most powerful, with lead singer and guitarist Huw Edwards’ technical prowess coming to the fore.
Dropped at the same time, Mechanical Bull, marked the emergence of a new creative spark for Edwards and Jacob Price (sampling/synths). Representing the journey of growing up and priorities shifting from rock and roll stardom to stability and well being, it is carried along on Layth Ibrahim’s irresistible bassline topped with more of those trademark guitar riffs.
The new album marks a return to the unbridled energy of their self-titled debut, after a foray into more refined output on You Said It. The passion of those early days comes crashing back in the shape of Tom Higham’s heavy drum solos and more of those explosive riffs. A real labour of love, begun in lockdown and finished on the back of a crowdfunding drive to cover the mastering and mixing, the record will recapture the energy that first brought KOYO to the attention of their fans.
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