In my black jeans and black leather jacket I arrived at Irving Plaza, a rock music venue in New York City. The venue is a major stepping stone on the career paths of hundreds of artists every year, and the newest victim is the Icelandic band, Kaleo. Since their formation in 2012, they have released two studio albums - Kaleo and A/B - and have been touring America with sold out stores. This band is spreading in popularity due to artists’ talent and charm. The four-man group- Jökull Júlíusson, Davíð Antonsson, Daníel Ægir Kristjánsson, and Rubin Pollock- know how to work a stage, along with their good looks.
The band met each other when they were 14 and quickly started playing together- ultimately, making huge strides in one year. They transitioned from covering to live performances. However, they really struck success and become known globally, when they covered an old Icelandic ballad and put the live radio version on YouTube. Since then, they have been impressing people all of the United States
Their use of instruments made a vey entertaining show; they were constantly switching what they are playing, and using their hands to incorporate the crowd’s involvement. One of my favorite features was the accessories the band wore. One member wore a gold tube around his index finger to play, while Jökull covered his fingers in bizarre rings. Collectively, the band looked great together on stage from a costumer’s point of view. The show went from country music to rock and roll, all while using harmonicas, electric, and acoustic guitars.
Irving Plaza was a great venue for this new and up and coming band. The tight space left the room trapped with good vibes. There was a certain coolness of the venue and it overflowed into the crowd. From man buns to blue hair with cat ears as accessories, even to, old men in business suits— the diversity in the crowd proves that everyone loves this indie rock bank. The overcrowded room limited the dance moves to a small hip swing and a little head nod from the various eclectics of people.
They drew in the crowd and lifted the spirits in the small, retro room. At one point of the concert, I honestly did know who was howling louder, the main singer (Jökull Júlíusson), or the crowd. It was fun to let lose and loose myself in the Icelandic beat and the strong strum of the guitar.
Kaleo is going on tour with The Lumineers and Brishon Briggs later this year. Buy your tickets now, before they are all sold out!
