KALEO, an emerging Icelandic band tagged as folk-rock, has a lot more going for it than the micro label might suggest. The set began with two pounding rock stompers, “USA Today,” a new single, and “Break My Baby” before leading into the blues rock feast of “Broken Bones” that far outshone its recorded version. Maybe referencing the blues counts as folk-rock, but KALEO at times sounds far more country.
“All the Pretty Girls,” “Lonely Cowboy” and “Automobile” drip with modern country music in style and deliver to the same degree that Sturgill Simpson or Chris Stapleton crossover to rock. Jökull Júlíusson’s vocal delivery often comes close to country for those who want to hear it, never mind his cowboy hat and boots.
Júlíusson is absolutely gifted for whatever style is needed, booming an arena-ready roar, growling, switching suddenly to a falsetto, emoting more gently, and even whistling. His range provides the songs quite a latitude for interpretation.
The band sets up to feature singer/guitarist Júlíusson at center front, surrounded by monitors. With bass and drums stage left and lead guitar and pedal steel stage right, visually hinting that the band is “just” there for support. Not true. If not obvious during each song, a late-set instrumental showcased lead guitarist Rubin Pollock and Þorleifur Gaukur Davíðsson, otherwise on pedal steel or keys, rocking the audience while playing harmonica.
“Skinny,” a danceable song ripe for misinterpretation, got the crowd moving, and their mega-hit “Way Down We Go” kept the crowd on their feet through the encore. Overall, a great performance on a perfect September evening in Atlanta.
Chance Peña opened the evening to an arriving crowd with a nine song set largely featuring songs from his new album, Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming. A former “The Voice” contestant, Peña has a great voice and his band supported him well. Unfortunately, the dim and listless lighting did little to reveal the band to the crowd. That said, those seated close to the stage gave him a standing O as he completed his set. “I am not who I was”
Setlist:
Encore:
