If you’re looking for something moody and emotional, look no further than this article. Today, we’re looking at Kaleo, an Icelandic blues rock band who are about to become your next favorite artist. Their delicate blend of blues, rock, and a hint of country is musical food for the soul, with each note leaving you wanting more while also feeling as if you’ve experienced the stories they sing of. It’s truly magical stuff, with “I Can’t Go On Without You” being a striking example of their talent.
At first glance, this could be interpreted as a recording session at a music studio in preparation for an album recording. Astonishingly, this session is in fact entirely live; each musician is simply so talented at their craft that they sound immaculate right out of the gate. Perhaps most impressive is frontman Jökull Júlíusson’s vocal range, which manages to be both beautifully soulful and hauntingly explorative. The song also perfectly encapsulates the pain of heartbreak; listen below:
There is something simultaneously haunting and beautiful about the delicate introduction to “I Can’t Go On Without You”. The isolated whistling and soft-spoken guitar melodies create an idea that someone truly is alone, and declaring their unending love for another. This is the true power of music: being able to create stories and ideas in our minds through each bar and each note, until eventually an entire story is presented in front of us. Kaleo’s studio session only amplifies this feeling.
Kaleo was formed in Mosfellsbær, Iceland, in 2012. Since then, they have released three studio albums: the self-titled Kaleo in 2013, A/B in 2016, and Surface Sounds in 2021. While all three records have received positive feedback, A/B has sold a staggering one million (plus) copies worldwide, with “Way Down We Go” from the record being certified double platinum. The song has also been featured in many TV shows, such as Grey’s Anatomy, The Vampire Diaries, and a promo for Orange Is The New Black.
It’s easy to see why Kaleo has become so popular all over the world. Their diverse blend of musical styles and their experimentation with genres in their music is a large part of their appeal. They also know how to create immersive soundscapes that can transport the soul to a specific time or place, or unlock a memory that was long forgotten. This is especially felt in the incredible “Save Yourself”.
Kaleo is just one of many impressive bands to come from Iceland. One of the biggest without a doubt is Sigur Rós, which demonstrates how rock is interpreted in Iceland while also making incredible music. From the softer blues and country vibes of Kaleo to the eclectic electronic barrage of the likes of Hatari, Iceland continues to present itself as a diverse country with a wide array of musical talent to offer to the world.