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KOYO: Photo Credit: Andrew Cotterill
Named after the Japanese word for colorful autumn leaves, KOYO is also the name of a group fusing vividly vibrant influences to create music of their own.
Formed in Leeds, UK in 2015, KOYO have fast become a major factor in the city’s burgeoning music scene. Founded by 22-year-old Huw Edwards (lead vocals, guitar) and Jacob Price (sampling, synthesizers), KOYO is an accomplished five-piece that includes SebKnee-Wright (guitars), Dan Comlay (bass), and Tom Higham (drums).
Blending influences as wide as Ozric Tentacles and The Velvet Underground to 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 thought-provoking lyrics. Sampling and synthesisers provide astral soundscapes, grounded by a talented 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.
The Big Takeover is pleased to premiere such a live track, “Ray of Sunshine” which was recorded during the band’s Belgrave Sessions. Edwards explains, “The live show is a big part of this band. The songs take on a different energy live, sometimes diverging into extended improvisations and such. We love it when you go to see a band and it feels like your witnessing something unique to that moment, something that nobody else has experienced. We really wanted to try and capture that, and give people a taste of what to expect when they come to see us.”
KOYO’s debut album is slated for release on August 4th via 88 Watt Records. It was recorded at Foel Studio in Wales (Hawkwind, My Bloody Valentine, The Pop Group). The record marries psychedelic and progressive rock with electronic soundscapes. Tracks such as psych-rock powerhouse “Ray of Sunshine” is a prime product of KOYO’s varied influences but stamped through with the group’s own very distinct personality.
