SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: KALEO – MIXED EMOTIONS

KALEO
MIXED EMOTIONS
ATLANTIC RECORDS

KALEO is a rock/blues/country band from Iceland (Mosfellsbær, to be exact) who have been making their own brand of music since 2013, when they released their debut album, Kaleo. Mixed Emotions is their fourth album and their first since 2021’s Surface Sounds. Mixed Emotions is a mixed bag of great songs ranging from gritty, rock ‘n’ roll blues to rock songs with just a hint of country. The country influence is most likely due to being produced in Nashville by Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan).

Listen to the pedal steel in the hurting song, “Lonely Cowboy”.  Then a song, like “Rock N Roller” is a great example of their ability to create some bluesy rock ‘n’ roll. This song is a powerhouse of rock ‘n’ roll which pulls out all of the stops.  From the guitars to the pounding drums, to the extreme vocals, it is pure rock. And it is pure bliss. From the beginning of the album right through to the last track, this is a strong album full of brilliant hard driving songs. And KALEO are not afraid to show their emotional side either. The album ends with “Sofðu Unga Ástin Mín”, a traditional Icelandic lullaby lead singer Jökull Júlíusson’s mother used to sing to him. It is quite beautiful and very heartfelt.

Mixed Emotions is an album with twists and turns. Just when you think you have it figured out, you don’t. From the heavy and bluesy rock right through to the personal and emotional ballads. The band is tight and plays consistently well throughout the album. The production is gritty with just enough polish, and the vocals are strong and powerful. Mixed Emotions is a brilliant album.

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