The last time I saw Kaleo was in April 2022, right after lockdown, and I remember it being quite an intense show. They haven’t released a new album since Surface Sounds in 2021, so I was a little surprised that MTelus was so packed.
I had to shove and cram myself through hundreds of sweaty, intoxicated fans, catching whiffs of beer breath, armpits, and an assortment of body sprays that failed to reach their goal of freshening anything up.
I’m not a Kaleo aficionado, but I couldn’t resist the opportunity to photograph lead singer JJ again.
I arrived at the venue early to catch the supporting artist. It was my first time hearing Chance Pena, and I’m glad I made it. Most of the crowd knew the words to his songs—maybe they had seen him on The Voice. He was warm, humble, and authentic. I enjoyed his Americana/Indie rock vibe mixed with his vulnerability and sweet voice. His debut album, Ever-Shifting, Continual Blossoming (released September 13), is worth a listen if you like Noah Kahan—and even if you don’t.
By 9 o’clock, MTelus was buzzing with anticipation, so thick and steamy I could smell it. Women were hooting, men were howling, and I lost count of how many couples were making out.
Once again, the photo pit was 99 percent female, and I got to meet Susan Moss, whose work I’ve admired for years.
JJ did not disappoint. With his long golden hair, gorgeously chiselled Icelandic face, and super-stylish denim, he slowly emerged, gently placed his cream-coloured Gibson across his body, and opened with USA Today.
His voice was slow and deep, conveying the dark and heavy lyrics. The crowd went completely still, hanging on every word until the electric guitar pierced the silence, and everyone began to cheer.
After the broodingly sensual I Can’t Go On Without You, with its lovely acoustic intro and haunting whistle, I exited the photo pit and ended up outside in the back alley. There was no way I was going through that dense and rowdy crowd. After getting some fresh air, I walked back to the front and watched the rest of the show from the screen at the bar/lounge.
There was nothing wrong with the performance, but I felt that something was missing. JJ still had that raspy growl and magnetic stage presence. His guitar playing was on point, and the entire band was tight, but I felt the most energetic musician on stage was the harmonica player. He would rush to the front, lean into the crowd, and really let loose. He was so much fun to watch, especially on Hey Gringo.
One of the highlights was the instrumental jam after Hot Blood. The Zeppelinesque heavy groove truly showcased the band’s mad skills.
JJ seemed to warm up towards the end. Saving the best for last, they played their three biggest hits and had the entire room singing along. Maybe if I hadn’t seen them two years ago, full of post-COVID hunger, I would’ve been more impressed. Perhaps they were tired—30 shows in six weeks is quite a gruelling schedule.
Kaleo is still one of the most exciting rock bands to see live right now, so don’t miss it if you get the chance.
Review & photos – Annette Aghazarian
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