Kalandra are one of those bands that everyone seems to have heard of, not least through high profile support slots with the likes of Wardruna, Leprous and A.A.Williams, and of course the band’s cover of ‘Helvegen’. They have also played at numerous festivals, including stunning sets at Midgardsblot which is perfectly suited to their Nordic folk (We’ll come to the label in a bit). Despite this, the band have, so far, never really managed to hit the next level. Well, that is about to change.
Despite having been around for thirteen years, ‘A Frame of Mind’ is only their second album (unless you count the soundtrack to the ‘Kingdom Two Crowns: Norse Land’ videogame), as well as a few EPs, but over this time the quartet of Norwegians and Swedes have been perfecting their art, culminating in this album which perfectly captures the zeitgeist of the band in 2024.
The music here is hard to define, but undoubtedly has its roots in Nordic folk. However, there are big chunks of alt pop and progressive rock with chunky guitar riffs captured perfectly. The focal point is Katrine Stenbekk’s sublime vocal display, weaving ethereal melodies into the musical tapestries. One minute her vocals sound vulnerable, almost fragile and the next powerful, but always intriguing and captivating. At times the sound is expansive conjuring images of sweeping landscapes and the next it feels introspective stimulating self reflection, or at least that was how it made me feel, not least on the eerie, but soothing ‘Hytta’, with the sound of lapping water completing the effect of the track. I haven’t mentioned the lyrical content yet, but I think this is best left to personal interpretation, although it is worthy of an investment of time.
There has seemingly been a surge in the popularity of Nordic folk in recent years, with some bands coming across as clones, not having any individuality (as well as some truly wonderful bands), but Kalandra have avoided the trap and their music is genuine and heartfelt, and their authenticity shines through in an album that feels as though the band have made it for themselves rather than for anyone else. In short, this is a very contemporary take on Nordic folk, incorporating numerous other styles of music as the album builds and grows, weaving its delicate vines around you. Kalandra are about to undertake a tour of Europe, Scotland and England, and this will catapult them to the next level, where they rightfully belong.
(8/10 Andy Pountney)
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