Kaleida drops deluxe version of ‘In Arms’

Kaleida is the musical duo formed by Christina Wood and Cicely Goulder, a pair whose unique chemistry has bridged their trans-Atlantic divide since they started out over a decade ago. Their partnership was born over email when Christina, then working as an environmental consultant in Indonesia, sent bedroom-recorded demos to Cicely, a London-based composer for film. Despite the physical distance, they quickly found a creative synergy that has since resulted in a decorated musical journey that’s seen them clock over a hundred million spins on Spotify alone.

Kaleida first captured the world’s attention in 2014 with their viral debut single “Think,” which earned a spot on the soundtrack of John Wick. The minimalist yet haunting track, which showcased Christina’s ethereal vocals paired with Cicely’s cinematic electronica arrangement, instantly put them on the map of exciting new acts. Their follow-up Think EP and a European tour with Roisin Murphy saw them continue their rise and by 2017, their debut album Tear The Roots expanded their moody pop aesthetic, stitching environmental themes with subconscious expression.

After the release of their sophomore album Odyssey in 2020, the pandemic, motherhood and professional hurdles almost led to the duo’s dissolution. Yet, Kaleida emerged from their hiatus with a renewed sense of purpose and creative spark, channeling both personal and global challenges into their latest full-length record, In Arms.

The album embraces duality; balancing themes of vulnerability and strength, despair and hope. Inspired by figures like Joan of Arc and the contrast of light and dark found in Pre-Raphaelite art, In Arms presents a profoundly reflective yet expansive record that Christina describes as “making hope cool,” while Cicely sees it as an extension of music’s enduring, spiritual role in human expression.

For the first time, the duo opened their creative process to collaboration, bringing in producer Johan Hugo to help craft their sound. His slick, bright production contrasts beautifully with Cicely’s gentler approach, resulting in a collection of tracks that feel both intimate and grandiose, like sonic sanctuaries amidst the noise of a turbulent world.

Following the album’s release and supporting tour across Europe and North America, Kaleida has now released a deluxe version of In Arms via the Embassy One imprint. It includes live studio takes and stripped-down piano versions of fan favourites like “Don’t Turn Me Out” and “Seagull Nun,” alongside the unreleased track “Chalong.”

Opened with “Chalong,” the new record starts off with a hypnotic dane-focused track that blends pulsating club beats with meditative electronica. Christina’s lullaby-like vocal chant floats over a shimmering interplay of arpeggiated guitar, silky synths and softly rattling percussive textures, creating a grooving and euphoric listening experience.

Commenting on the single, they share, “We’re glad to share this one with the world… We made it on the last day in the studio during one of our writing trips… Just a spontaneous creation and it feels good to share it with you and let it be free.” Paired with the new track is a music video directed by Rocio Cufré, bringing the song to life in visual form via abstract imagery and colourful lo-fi aesthetic.

Another highlight, “Seagull Nun,” revisits the first song they ever worked on together, with the bonus piano version reframing the track in an intimate, stripped-back setting, allowing its emotive quality to shine with a stunning slice of dreamy mesmeric pop. With In Arms (Deluxe Version), Kaleida proves that even in the face of distance, change and uncertainty, their music remains relevant and enjoyable for countless fans around the world.

Their transatlantic partnership continues to thrive, offering a reminder that beauty often arises from the spaces between us. Across its fifteen tracks, the new album both fully crystallises their return and celebrates the success of their sonic endeavour over the years, serving up a release that’s enchanting and engrossing from start to finish.

Listen to In Arms (Deluxe Version) below