Album Review: KAWALA - 'The KAWALA Collection'
KAWALA bow out in style with their final offering: ‘The KAWALA Collection’.
After nearly a decade on the scene, the group are set to officially hang up their boots. Along the way as a group, they’ve won the hearts of the people with their infectiously vibrant live shows and abundance of quality music. Their debut album ‘Better With You’ is home to some enormous tracks, including the classic ‘Ticket To Ride’, which was propelled to its success via popular video game FIFA… something which the band expressed their excitement about.
The news that the group are to leave behind their music has left fans of the group devasted… But news of a farewell tour has boosted morale, with the KAWALA community getting one more chance to come together and celebrate one of the most infectiously joyous groups. What better way to see it out than by celebrating the music that KAWALA have given us.
As they bow out, the group offer one more body of work for listeners, which comes in the form of ‘The KAWALA Collection’.
The eight-track record is home to some of the group’s best work to date.
Beginning with ‘Time Slipping Away’, the new mini-album springs to life. From the off it’s clear that KAWALA are going to give us their very best before they close the door on what they label “the best years” of their lives.
The track is brimming with dreamy guitar riffs, classic KAWALA vocals and a rhythm section that will swoop listeners up immediately. Fans will hope to hear this one at the upcoming tour dates, as it feels tailor made for the stage. You can almost directly see packed out venues bouncing in euphoria to ‘Time Slipping Away’.
Amongst the new material are some songs which are known to listeners already. One of these is the hugely popular number ‘What’s Up’. This one oozes coolness, with that signature KAWALA sound remaining throughout. It’s a carefully paced track that uses clever riffs, basslines and drum patterns to compliment the brilliant harmonies of vocalists Jim Higson and Daniel McCarthy. The pair utilise their effortless chemistry as they sing the emotive words: “I wish you the best” in the song’s choruses. It’s no wonder this track has proved to be a favourite, it’s the perfect blend of emotion and catchiness.
‘Old Me’ is the track which follows. This one embodies the feel of a beautiful sunset. The group have truly captured the feel of reflection on a fun-filled period of time. ‘Old Me’ feels as if the band are looking back with real appreciation for what they’ve achieved. The rhythmic number is packed full of emotion and love. As ever, what is truly salient is how the group seamlessly combine to create a fluid sound that shows KAWALA off as the tight unit that they are.
Perhaps the pick of the bunch on the mini-album is the brilliant ‘I Feel You’. As another of the singles released ahead of the record, fans are already obsessed with this one. It’s undoubtedly destined for the stage. The persuasive rhythm created by bass of Reeve Coulson and drums of Ben Batten will be more than enough to get crowds moving. Lead guitar of Dan Lee truly tops off a wonderful piece of music, with beach-inspired riffs creating that undeniable summer feel. The pair of vocalists then give the number the final ingredient to create a brilliant track. They come together to sing the catchy chorus: “I feel you, everybody gets impatient, looking for a chance worth taking, it’s enough to drive you crazy.”
Two more offerings of fresh material come in the form of ‘Make A Difference’ and ‘Honeycomb’. Both are stunning, and brilliantly pave the way for the finale.
The last track on the mini-album is fan favourite ‘American Adrenaline’. This track speaks for itself, being extremely popular since its initial release as a single. It’s no wonder it’s proved so popular. It shows off KAWALA at their peak. All members combine to create a euphoric sound, brimming with brilliant instrumentation.
With that, the group conclude ‘The KAWALA Collection’. After all the enjoyment they’ve given their ever-growing fanbase, people will be eager to hear these songs, as well as all the classics, as KAWALA embark on their farewell tour.
It really is an emotional thing to see a band of such importance bow out, but fans can relish the new material that the band offer. ‘The KAWALA Collection’ is a brilliant body of work, which holds some of the group’s best work to date.
Words by Matthew Caslin
