A serenely gripping shoegaze production impresses on the self-titled EP from Kallai, a band based in Portland, OR. Shoegaze, alt-rock, and post-punk incorporations resonate, as lyrical themes span from “the failure of past relationships to the difficulties of embracing new opportunity after surviving trauma,” per the act.
The opening track “Always/Never” caught our attention earlier this year with its dreamy, shoegaze production. Touting a more steadily ethereal engrossment, “Palisades” continued that momentum in May. Two new tracks round out the EP, which carries on with similarly immersive charm.
“Dig” struts a bustling rhythmic entrancement, echoing a post-punk vigor alongside murmuring guitars and escalating vocal fervency. The added guitar distortion at the one-minute turn invokes a haunting sensation as the vocals balance subdued introspection and impassioned whimsy. EP closer “Another World” brings back their more slow-burning structural tendencies, with glistening synth tones and chilly vocals reminding fondly of Cocteau Twins. Kallai thoroughly impress on their self-titled EP, which released today.
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.
