Kaleo’s Payback Tour rolled into Birmingham, Alabama at the renowned Avondale Brewing Company. The Icelandic powerhouse along with the soulful Chance Peña, captivated the audience with an unforgettable musical journey filled with raw energy, emotion, and the kind of soulful performances that stay with you long after the lights dim.
Starting with Chance Peña, his set was a captivating surprise. Hitting the stage with his guitar and backing band, mixed with his mesmerizing voice that has a melodic and bluesy tone that is well beyond his years, Peña delivered an intimate, heartfelt performance. His lyrics, filled with vulnerability and honesty, connected with the audience on a deep level, pulling us into his world of indie-folk storytelling. Chance’s crooning on fan favorites like “Sleep Deprivation” and “I Am Not Who I Was” were the highlights, as the crowed joined in with Peña’s smooth melodies and atmospheric delivery that set the perfect tone for the night.
Then, Kaleo took the stage, and the atmosphere shifted. Known for their dynamic range, the Icelandic rock band did not disappoint. Their set was a perfect blend of blues, rock, and folk—signature Kaleo. Frontman Jökull Júlíusson’s voice was soulful, as he commanded the crowd with both gravelly growls and haunting falsettos. The range of JJ’s voice is an impressive feat to behold. Kaleo opened with their new single “USA Today”, setting the mood perfectly for what was to come, showering the stage with a moody blue overtone that only highlighted the magic unfolding. Kaleo definitely knows how to energize the crowd, as they delivered all of their fan favorites, from “Hey Gringo”, “Way Down We Go”, and the enchanting “Vor í Vaglaskógi” which proves that music is the universal language, as this song is in their native tongue but still has such an emotional impact for those unfamiliar with the language.
Kaleo’ s stage production was simple but impactful, creating a western feel but allowing the music to take center stage. The lighting only added to the feel, from cinematic orange and blues filled the stage to bring the show to life. “Automobile” brought the crowd together in a powerful, anthemic sing-along, while tracks like “Broken Bones” showcased the band’s bluesy grit and Júlíusson’s ability to shift effortlessly between heart-wrenching ballads and intense rock riffs. A true standout was Thorleifur Davidsson’s impressive harmonica skills, which added an incredible depth to the performance. To Top off the night, the crowd was treated to “Glass House” with Chance Peña, topping off an exceptional evening with an out of this world band.
Overall, Kaleo’s Payback Tour is a night of superb and fun musicianship. Peña’s sincerity as an opener and Kaleo’s unbridled passion made for a perfect pairing. Whether you came for the quiet folk moments or the high-energy rock, this tour delivered it all.
Kaleo’s Payback Tour continues through October 10th of 2024. For upcoming shows, visit https://www.officialkaleo.com/tour.
Follow Kaleo and Chance Peña on their socials below:
Kaleo: Instagram // Facebook
Chance Peña: Instagram // Facebook
