Kay Iris Blaze a Trail Through Blues-Infused Americana with ‘The Other Side’

Emerging UK outfit Kay Iris deliver a confident statement with their latest single, “The Other Side”, a track that feels both grounded and grand.

From the first slide guitar lick to the ethereal harmonica flourishes, the song channels Delta Blues textures while maintaining a contemporary Americana-rock pulse. It’s a sound that’s immediately identifiable yet brimming with room for exploration—a rare feat for a band so early in their career.

Frontwoman Kay’s vocals cut through with a mixture of grit and grace, drawing listeners into a narrative of struggle and resilience. Lyrically, she doesn’t shy away from social commentary, juxtaposing working-class determination against the illusions of privilege: “Money is the Ace that’s up your sleeve.” It’s storytelling that feels personal yet universal, capturing the tension between aspiration and systemic limitation.

Musically, “The Other Side” thrives on its layered textures. The interplay of slide guitars and bluesy riffs, underpinned by a driving rhythm section, gives the song both momentum and emotional weight. It’s a track that feels live at its core, a testament to the band’s stage-honed energy from festival performances like Pub in the Park and Big Feastival.

By the close of the chorus, Kay Iris make it clear that this is a band on a mission. Anthemic without ever feeling forced, soulful without indulgence, “The Other Side” positions them as one of the UK’s most compelling rising acts in Americana-rock. It’s a track that demands attention and confirms Kay Iris as artists unafraid to marry heart and grit in equal measure.