SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: KALEO – A/B (10th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)

KALEO
A/B (10th ANNIVERSARY DELUXE EDITION)
RHINO RECORDS

Kaleo formed in Mosfellsbær, Iceland in 2012 and is still going strong. In 2016 they released a landmark album that earned them numerous accolades, awards and high chart placements. When the band released their second album, A/B, no one expected the response the album received. It was interesting that a blues-based, alt-rock album with a tinge of country could do so well around the world, and yet, Kaleo did just that. Perhaps, since that time, they have made better albums, that is up to their listeners, but it was clear that this would be their commercial peak. Now, 10 years later, Rhino Records has released a new expanded double album version of A/B.

A/B kicks off in fine style with the hard rocking “No Good.” From the start, Kaleo is letting their audience know that this is a powerful album, not so much filled with rock anthems, but filled with guitar driven rock ‘n’ roll, sometimes stripping it back to rock’s blues and country history. And the band writes incredible melodies. As a result, A/B is full of melodic rockers that seep into the listener’s soul. It is not a difficult album to enjoy, in fact quite the opposite. And there are some songs, such as “All The Pretty Girls” and “Automobile” that show a different side to the band. These songs are more gentle and peaceful. They add a great deal to the album and give the listener a well-deserved breather.

The album ends with the epic and moving “I Can’t Go On Without You.” Kaleo tears at the soul with this emotional closing song. It bookends the album brilliantly with the bravado of the opening “No Good” and the closing song of loneliness and regret. Of course, this being an anniversary edition, there are an additional eight tracks, some live, some rare, unreleased studio recordings. The band is known for their electric live performances, and this comes across, especially with the “Way Down We Go (Live in Þríhnúkagígur)”. The studio recordings feature the wonderful “Still No Good,” which kicks off the bonus side.

A/B is a brilliant album, and one that has aged extremely well. While only 10 years old, the album still sounds very current and exciting. It may not be their best, but it is one of their best known and it is well worth attention today as it was in 2016. This personal album was not trying to solve the world’s ills, but it does bring those who pay attention a great deal of pleasure.

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