Summer concerts at McMenamin's Grand Lodge kicked off with a bang as KALEO brought their bluesy rock and roll from Iceland to the Forest Grove stage last week. The energy was high on this warm summer Oregon evening, with the sun about to set as Kaleo took the stage. The band is just starting their 2024 Payback Tour, going coast to coast across North America before taking on Europe this winter.
From the first song to the last, the sheer talent amongst the 5-piece group is unmistakable. Frontman Jökull Júlíusson (JJ) brings vocals that are so gritty and soulful, yet buttery smooth through every melody. Across the stage, the blend of instrumentals brings elements of blues, folk, and rock to life in every song, from soft and thoughtfully crafted verses to pounding, guitar-driven choruses that the crowd couldn't help but sway to.
With only a couple of full-length albums and a number of singles in their discography, it was such a treat to be able to hear so many top tracks spanning from 2016 to their latest releases, including "Broken Bones," "All The Pretty Girls," and "Break My Baby."
The band also played one of their latest releases, Sofðu Unga Ástin Mín, their rock-forward take on a classic Icelandic lullaby, before wrapping up the set with fan favorites like "Way Down We Go" and "No Good" from 2016's A/B, the album that put them on the map with international audiences.
With a new album on the horizon and a recent performance at the iconic Colosseum in Rome in their pocket, it's clear that Kaleo is looking towards the future with big plans.
Listen to their latest singles, "Rock N Roller" and "Lonely Cowboy," here, and check out the full gallery below!
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