In terms of aura, charisma, and presence, Jökull Júlíusson, the central figure of Kaleo, is in a class of his own. Early Saturday evening, the Icelandic folk-rock band transported the Montreal audience to the heart of the Nordic landscapes, somewhere between land and sea.
With his shirt open, cowboy hat, and sunglasses firmly in place, the singer embodies style, clearly inspired by the country wave currently sweeping the music industry. As soon as he takes the stage, the band strikes up the opening notes of “Break My Baby,” a blues-rock track with modern accents from Surface Sounds. The audience immediately understands that they are about to experience something special.
The vocal power of the 35-year-old tenor is difficult to convey in writing: Júlíusson masterfully combines roughness and fragility. The Icelander can just as easily lull the crowd with a ballad like “All the Pretty Girls” — a real highlight of the evening — as he can rock them with “No Good.”
Surrounded by his four musicians and sidekicks, Júlíusson delivers a vibrant performance that stays true to the studio arrangements. Þorleifur Gaukur Davíðsson shines with his harmonica solos scattered here and there, adding a welcome touch of nostalgia. Add to that the singer’s deep soul, and the whole thing forms a perfectly balanced musical marriage.
Ten years after its release, “Way Down We Go” remains the band’s signature song. There was no better choice to conclude the show than this track, which was enthusiastically received by the fans gathered in front of the stage.
Kaleo’s performance, lasting just over 50 minutes, flew by in a flash. The band offered a moment of suspended time, poetic and soothing—a gentle balm between the high-energy performances of rappers Tommy Richman and Smino on the neighbouring stage.
Crédit photo: Tim Snow
