Portland-based outfit Kallai recently arrived onto the music scene with a debut single that put their unique blend of shoegaze, post punk and gothic influences on full display. Featuring a lineup of accomplished musicians from celebrated bands like Trance to the Sun, Luscious Apparatus and Lost Echoes, Kallai brings together the talents of David Gross, Daniel Henderson, Cate Hukle and Brian Wilcher.
Formed last summer, the band has been quietly crafting their collective sonic ambitions, drawing inspiration from their diverse backgrounds while exploring new musical landscapes. March marked their official debut with the release of “Always/Never,” unveiling their dreamy shoegaze sound to the world for the first time.
Their latest offering, “Palisades,” presents a departure from their debut single, incorporating elements of post punk and synth based influences. Crystallising their intentions as a project led by split vocals, with David Gross taking the lead on the mic this time complemented by Cate Hukle, the track explores themes of opening oneself up to new connections after enduring challenging times.
Brought in by the laid back pulse of bass guitar riding the snap of drums, hazy guitar chords drift alongside a stretching synth tone in the distance to form a smokey soundscape. David’s soft vocals apply gentle melodic leads to the arrangement as the energy subtly builds to craft an atmospheric chorus of floating textures contrasted by the driving rhythm of the drums and bass lines.
Still casting the transportive aesthetic and immersive quality showcased in their debut outing, “Palisades” sees the band lean into a slightly grittier and more direct sound. With Cate’s voice adding lush backing to the lilting leads of David and the light crunch of guitar injecting edge, the new single delivers a hypnotic slice of dark wave-tinged rock music.
It’s a song that presents a timeless sound for a modern audience, paying respects to the band’s inspirations while they carry them into new musical worlds of their own making. Going from strength to strength on their second outing, 2024 is proving to be a breakout year for this exciting new act who bring to life their enduring songwriting in a truly engaging fashion.
Listen to Palisades below
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