
Music Critic Lauren Dicken reviews KALEO’s ‘Payback’ tour, commenting on the band’s breath-taking live presence
KALEO, hailing from Reykjavík, burst onto the global scene in 2016 with their album A/B, a record that blended rock, blues, and soul in a way that captivated audiences worldwide. Over the last decade, their unique ability to pair haunting vocals with raw, guitar-driven anthems has earned them a devoted following. Their name ‘KALEO’ is derived from the Hawaiian word for ‘the voice’ or ‘the sound’, and after seeing them live it could not be more fitting.
Although I missed their Manchester stop on the 2022 Fight or Flight Tour due to travel issues, the wait to finally see them on their Payback Tour was undoubtedly worth it. Their performance far exceeded my expectations, showcasing a clear confidence and maturity from years of honing their craft. Jökull Júlíusson, the lead singer, has particularly gone from strength to strength, delivering a powerful performance with his rich, resonant voice and remarkable range.
Opening act Shane Smith and the Saints were a surprising highlight of the night. Originating from Austin Texas, they brought a fiery blend of country and rock to the stage. I had listened to a few of their songs before the concert to prepare myself, but the band absolutely blew me away. I will certainly be listening to them again and they were a fantastic choice to warm up the crowd for KALEO.
As KALEO took the stage, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical
As KALEO took the stage, the atmosphere was nothing short of magical. Their lighting, shifting seamlessly between vibrant colors and intimate spotlights, perfectly complemented their eclectic setlist. The set was a rollercoaster through rock, soul, and blues, each song brimming with their trademark blend of emotion and grit.
They opened with ‘USA Today’, a powerful piece about modern America that immediately drew the crowd in. Its poignant lyrics and haunting tone, as well as its cultural relevance, made it an excellent opener. This was swiftly followed by ‘Break My Baby’ a song which explores the band’s issues with the incessant nature of the music industry and really highlights Júlíusson’s range.
My personal favourite song ‘All the Pretty Girls’, was a highlight of the night for me. The atmosphere for this was incredible, there was a wonderful moment of audience participation during this soulful ballad, fostering a strong connection between KALEO and their audience.
Halfway through the set, they played ‘Hey Gringo’, a fan favourite and an upbeat addition to the setlist. Unlike any other KALEO song, ‘Hey Gringo’ perfectly embodied the band’s refusal to be confined to a single genre, making it an ideal midpoint for the concert and highlighting a different side of their music.
This moment in the concert was particularly poignant and meaningful… forming a profound connection with the audience
KALEO also performed ‘Vor í Vaglaskógi’ (Spring in Vaglaskogur), a song particularly significant as it was written and performed in their native Icelandic. ‘Vor í Vaglaskógi’ was inspired by the Vaglaskógi forest in Iceland and holds strong personal resonance for the band as their first song to gain popularity in Iceland. This moment in the concert was particularly poignant and meaningful, with dim lighting as the band displayed vulnerability in their own language, forming a profound connection with the audience.
The double-platinum single ‘Way Down We Go’ was a perfect penultimate performance to round off an amazing night. The track that catapulted them to international fame was a clear favourite among the crowd and the slow buildup of intensity to the powerful crescendo cemented this song as a real highlight.
KALEO closed the set with ‘No Good’, a fan favourite which earned them a GRAMMY with a nomination for “Best Rock Performance”. The energy in the room was palpable, and the dynamic spirit of the band continued right to the last note. But they weren’t quite finished, and returned for an encore, performing their new release ‘Rock N Roller’, leaving to thunderous applause.
The night was a whirlwind of emotions, from the heartfelt connection during ‘All the Pretty Girls’ to the raw power of ‘No Good’. The lighting, setlist, and the palpable energy of both the band and the audience combined to create an unforgettable experience.
KALEO’s Payback Tour was a testament to their growth and longevity as a band. Their seamless transitions between soulful ballads and electrifying rock anthems showcased their versatility and musical prowess. The chemistry among the band members was undeniable, as they delivered a performance that felt both polished and deeply authentic. If they return to Wolverhampton for their next tour, I will definitely be back for more.
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