Kallai – Falling (2025)
After a long summer, I was excited to get my teeth stuck back into some new music and what better way to usher in autumn than with some dreamy shoegaze. With their new single ‘Falling’, that is exactly what Portland-based act Kallai have delivered.
From the opening riff, it was apparent this was my kind of music, and as the harmonising voices of Cate and David flowed in, starting as a ripple and building to a full cascade of hazy vocals, I was hooked, and I’ve not stopped listening to it since. ’Falling’ for me has an air of Scottish giants Mogwai, who I’ve loved for the best part of 3 decades and I don’t compare acts to them lightly, but Kallai seem to be able to create the same deep sounds whilst keeping them light and elegant.
‘Falling’ oozes authenticity when exploring the subject of love and longing. I really enjoyed how, when asked about the tune, they offered up this insight: “’Falling’ claws itself into the crux of the moment you realise you’re falling in love with someone; in a state of complete freefall where you would forsake everything and go any distance for that person”. It, for me, optimised the whole ethos of love and life.
I was shocked to learn that Kallai only emerged in 2024. This is the sound of seasoned veterans of shoegaze, a well-oiled machine where everyone knows their role and plays their part, akin to Slowdive and Low. Such a polished sound with clear inspiration from those who came before, whilst keeping their sound unique and really letting you peer into the soul of the band.
With their upcoming EP, We Are Forever, on the horizon, I can’t wait to see what treats are to follow from this Oregonian quartet. If, like me, you can’t wait until October 17th for We Are Forever drops, there is plenty to go on until then with their debut self-titled EP and follow-up single ‘The Wave’.
It’s safe to say I’m sold on Kallai – shoegaze done right, it is as simple as that.
Find out more about Kallai on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, YouTube and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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