KEYS deliver a daring exploration of connection on Acid Communism
Welsh psych-pop outfit KEYS return with Acid Communism, a vibrant and expansive new album that leans into collective creativity, sonic experimentation, and emotional honesty.
Produced by: KEYS
Out now via Libertino Records, Acid Communism marks KEYS’ boldest effort to date—twelve tracks that weave together lo-fi textures, sun-drenched psych-pop, and philosophical scrutiny. Drawing inspiration from cultural theorist Mark Fisher’s unfinished work of the same name, the album is a call toward unity, shared experience, and creative expression. While not overtly political, the record resonates with a quiet resistance to isolation and digital detachment.
According to KEYS vocalist and songwriter Matthew Evans, the concept of Acid Communism represents a merging of play and togetherness—“ACID” signifying experimentation and “COMMUNISM” representing the power of community. The band took a hybrid approach to recording, blending the warmth of 8-track tape with the precision of digital production, resulting in a sound that feels cozy and immediate.
The album’s recently released double A-side offers an early window into its emotional scope. ‘Your Shoes’ is a rhythmic, guitar-driven jam built through live rehearsals, while ‘The Greatest Joke of All’ was written solo on piano during lockdown. Both tracks embody the album’s mission—to embrace spontaneity and vulnerability through music. Other standouts like ‘What Flavour?,’ ‘There’s No I in Teams,’ and ‘Who Stands to Gain’ pulse with energy and purpose, tied together by an unfiltered, collaborative spirit.
Evans says of the album’s title:
“We were captivated by the poetry of those two words.”
He adds:
“Playing in a band with your mates becomes therapy. It keeps you sane. Especially for men as they get older, it’s essential to have that kind of social network.”
With Acid Communism, KEYS have created a space for collective healing and creativity. In a culture often defined by disconnection, this album is a reminder of what can happen when people come together to build something real.
Standout Songs: ‘There’s No I in Teams,’ ‘Poyekhali.’
Release Date: July 18, 2025
6.3
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