Coming out of Portland, newcomers Kallai (pronounced ‘call-eye’) arrive with a debut single that filters their shoegaze, post-punk and goth influences through their own original sonic lens. Formed by accomplished musicians from notable bands such as Trance to the Sun, Luscious Apparatus and Lost Echoes, Kallai brings together the talents of guitarist and vocalist David Gross, drummer Daniel Henderson, Cate Hukle on guitars and synths and vocals and Brian Wilcher on bass.
Formed last summer, they’ve been working on their shared musical vision which takes cues from the styles they’ve delivered in their previous endeavours while exploring new creative spheres as a group. Now making their entrance as Kallai, the band brings us their debut single titled “Always/Never.”
Thematically blurring the lines between melancholy and hope, the song offers a sentimental yet sardonic reflection on the relationships of youth. Kicked off with an abrupt burst of crunchy guitars, pulsing bass notes and slick drums pairing laid back groove with splashy cymbals, a moody yet uplifting atmosphere takes hold before the arrangement settles into a dreamy soundscape as Cate’s airy vocals drift above to thread smooth melodic stretches.
Rising with fuzzy guitars, punching drums and catchy vocal hooks via hushed delivery, the chorus casts an enveloping musical fabric that wraps around you as a moment of lofty lead guitar tones usher the song back into the gentle shoegaze-esque sound of the verse. Peppered with delicate clean guitar notes dripping in reverb, the track offers a hazy sound that’s instantly memorable and subtly anthemic throughout.
Building to an epic finale where lead guitar tones overlap with the vocals, the soft sway of the rhythm carries you on a mesmeric sonic experience that signals the arrival of a thrilling new outfit. With the release of their upcoming debut EP set for June, Kallai have confirmed their status as a must-watch act as they take their first steps on their new musical adventure. It’s a worthy first statement from a band that’s sure to offer more enduring music throughout this year and beyond.
Listen to Always/Never below
More from Music
New music from Serge & The Currents
Melbourne-based musician Sergio Ercole has spent more than four decades building a life around the guitar, moving between classical and …
IRONA releases new single “Marble White”
From New York to London, IRONA is an Istanbul-based artist whose music takes inspiration from a sense of place while …
Shumo AG releases brand new single
Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Shumo AG is developing a musical world that stretches far beyond his young age. Balancing school …
