Album Review: Kalandra - Live from Lafayette
Reviewed by Oli Gonzalez
Seemingly following an emerging trend in the world of rock and metal, Kalandra are on the eve of releasing their new live album. Though Kalandra have never been one to follow the most conventional path. This is evident in their music which is like a duck-billed platypus, as far as genre labels go; Nordic post atmospheric folk rock, maybe? Genre’s aside, there’s no denying that they offer one of the more stunning live performances! I know this having seen the band multiple times live now, and “Live From Lafyette” provides an insight and sample into what is a genuinely spellbinding live show. Not just any random show, no, this was taken from a sold out show in September 2024. Not a show in Norway or Sweden, from which their members originate but in the heart of England’s capital, London. Quite the achievement! The Manchester show in which they played on that run wasn’t far from selling out too! Now fifteen years into their career, they wish to mark this special milestone with the live recording from this equally special show to them.
How much were Tony and Tim paid to mix and master this album? Whatever it is, they need their salaries doubled because what we have is an absolute gem of a mix that captures the elegance of each individual musician supremely! So many songs could used as an example, but perhaps ‘Brave New World’ is the most suitable. This is due to the subtle yet complex shifts in dynamics and compositional structure within the strong. You can hear the delicate hum and radiance of the more traditional Nordic acoustic string instruments that weave in and out of your immediate consciousness throughout the song. Though the band can pile on the pressure with the crunching distorted guitars and earth shattering thud of the drums, providing a remarkable contrast. This isn’t the first time we’re introduced to heavier guitars, as ‘Bardaginn’ offers a groove-laden guitar masterclass, designed to make your hips swing and head rock back and forth in approval. Contrasted with a more gentle yet powerful number in ‘The State Of The World’ which is as moving as it is thought-provoking.
In whatever shape the music takes, there’s one constant throughout the album; Katrine. Simply put, she’s world class! Her vocal technique throughout is flawless, and despite her smaller stature, she has a presence and power that fills entire venues! The beauty of a live album is that they can provide opportunities to hear crowd interactions and the artists describing the songs in more detail. One particular stand out moment is whilst introducing ‘Borders’, which Katrine explains that she wrote after a trip to Iceland. If there was ever a song for an Iceland tourist campaign, the tiny Nordic nation would be crazy not to use this! Listen to this with your eyes closed and your minds eye will be cast to the breathtaking landscapes that the country offers such is the vivid and intricate manner in which her lyrics describe this. She turns to her native tongue one more than one occasion, perhaps most notably in ‘Helvegen’, a cover from legendary act Wardruna, a band which she was a backing vocalist in once upon a time. Safe to say that Katrine and the band did the original justice!
From the band humble origins from playing open mic nights as students in Liverpool circa 2011 to selling out international shows on a headline tour as well as countless festival appearances, Kalandra’s rise has been steady yet impressive. They’re a band that have stayed true to themselves throughout this journey, building a loyal following who are drawn to the band’s unapologetic originality and undeniable authenticity. If you’ve been sleeping on Kalandra, it’s time to wake up and get wise to a diamond that’s just waiting to be uncovered!
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