Formed in Leeds in 2015, KOYO have fast become a major factor in the city’s burgeoning music scene. Tagged with the prog rock label, they are in fact proficient, reflective and utterly self-effacing, a far cry from the cape-wearing and wizard-hatted indulgence of your traditional progressive musicians. True, some of their songs are longer and they are well schooled in music – literally. But KOYO wear their versatility and charm very lightly indeed.
Formed by Huw Edwards and Jacob Price, KOYO are an accomplished five-piece. Blending influences as wide as Ozric Tentacles and The Velvet Underground, My Bloody Valentine and Kurt Vile, they give the impression of being able to play just about anything. KOYO combine beautiful melancholy vocals with intricate riffs and the poetry of Nick Drake. Sampling and synthesisers provide astral soundscapes, grounded by a gifted rhythm section. They are at once delicate and robust.
A powerful live force, KOYO create sonic spectacles through soaring layers of sound. They fill and transform space, create darkness and colour. Songs become extended improvisations, spontaneous expressions of emotion. KOYO are an unmatchable dynamic talent.
Debut single ‘Tetrachromat Pts. 1 & 2’ hypnotises and seduces, transports you to another level of consciousness. KOYO lure you heart first with their fearless emotional honesty. ‘Lost in the Kingdom’ fuses dreams and reality whilst searching for enlightenment. Their self-titled album KOYO is available now through 88 Watt Records, ranked #24 in Classic Rock Magazine‘s best albums of 2017.
KOYO Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter
KOYO play The Sunflower Lounge Birmingham on Thurs 12th April 2018. This show is FREE entry.
Watch the video for ‘Lost In The Kingdom’ below: