A dive into the world of berserk-rock: KEG let loose fiery new single ‘Michael Phelps’
The band share their first track of the year.
Photo: Katie Allen
Michael Phelps is the latest release from London-based fuzz-crazed powerhouse KEG, and it’s one of the weirdest things I’ve heard this year.
KEG are like a modern-day Talking Heads, with Byrne-ish vocals, esoteric lyrics (focusing on a world where legendary swimmer Michael Phelps has become king) and art-pop sensibilities. Halfway through it gets all metal and thrash-y, culminating in something wonderfully weird and restless – for fans of groups like Sports Team, Wet Leg and Yard Act, this is one to watch. NME perhaps framed it best with ‘a torrent of animated, angular frenzy – a real juggernaut’.
Following the awkwardly psychedelic Quip Quash – released in 2023 – KEG are carving a path through the underground of indie rock, throwing out the rulebook and inventing something entirely their own. It’s not novelty, but it’s not normal. Which, let’s be honest, is exactly how I like it.
Michael Phelps is out now via Alcopop! Records.