Kaleo are the Icelandic group that took the world by storm with their hit ‘Way Down We Go’ way back from their 2016 album A / B. The entire album served not only to catapult the band to mainstream success, but ignite an appreciation for great blues rock in younger generations.

Since then, they have built eager anticipation for their 3rd album, with a varied selection of singles they have sprinkled across 2024 to satiate the public. Those being the volume up until the speaker cracks, heavy tune, Rock N Roller; to the political thought provoking USA Today.

The latter of those singles was the song of choice by Kaleo to open their set at Wembley Arena on the 14th of November. With thought provoking lyricism, particularly with the US election being so recent, it was a more muted choice of introduction than fans might have expected. 

This is not to say that this was a poor choice of opener. There was an evident, perhaps deliberate, build of ambience that Kaleo demonstrated throughout the show. Beginning with a more atmospheric choice of songs from their discography, and flicking that switch halfway through – evident when they followed the fan favourite acoustic Automobile with the dance inducing Hey Gringo. This shift was certainly felt throughout the arena – an undeniable “oh f*ck yeah” that the fans were waiting for, with their excitement met by their beautifully dirty rock hit, Hot Blood, delivered to them shortly after. 

This surge of adrenaline was only briefly paused by the acoustic Lonely Cowboy and Vor í Vaglaskógi. Arguably, a clever choice. To slot the soft acoustic of the former and melodic folk tune consisting entirely of Icelandic lyrics of the latter, gave the audience an opportunity to appreciate the storytelling talent that Kaleo consistently delivers in their work – certainly goosebump inducing whilst still riding the previously delivered high of adrenaline.

By this point there was only time left for a handful of songs, and the boys didn’t disappoint. Hit after hit, the band triumphantly finished out their show by saving a selection of their finest work until the final few; filled with delicious riffs that left the crowd wanting more.

Kaleo are one of the few acts that truly deliver a performance that ignites the imagination whilst bringing chills to your body, only strengthened in a live setting. This, accompanied by entertaining deliveries of harmonica solos and eager fans in cowboy garb. This show certainly accomplished its goal of igniting further excitement and anticipation for the bands future projects.

Live Review and all photography by Ellie Albone (@photography.eca) for The Songbird HQ