KALEO Releases Timeless New Album ‘Mixed Emotions’
Today, Icelandic rockers KALEO have released a monumental third studio album MIXED EMOTIONS via Atlantic Records. The album includes previously released tracks “Back Door,” “Rock N Roller,” “USA Today,” and “Lonely Cowboy.” It also features the must-hear: “Bloodline.” The opening track on the album commences with an enthralling guitar line that transitions into a head-bobbing drum beat unlike anything the band has released previously.
On “Bloodline” frontman JJ Julius Son said: “I approached Bloodline from a far different perspective than the rest of my songs. I’ve always been a big fan of early 90’s hip hop and just started tinkering with some ideas before mixing in my blues and rock influences. The more I listened to it the more I knew I wanted this to be the first track people heard on the album. I think it really stands out from the rest and offers an entirely different sound.”
The album was produced by GRAMMY® Award Winner Eddie Spear (Zach Bryan, Sierra Ferrell) and co-produced by frontman JJ Julius Son and GRAMMY® Award Winner Shawn Everett (The Killers, Kacey Musgraves). MIXED EMOTIONS is a landmark rock album tackling themes from ending gun violence to overcoming despair. It even includes a re-imagined version of an Icelandic lullaby (roughly translates to “Sleep, My Little Love”) with “Sofdu Unga Ástin Mín”– a fan favorite that has been sung back to KALEO in countless countries in their own Icelandic language. It’s KALEO’s most ambitious album yet and it hits hard and digs deep in its mission for us to embrace our full spectrum of emotions during these trying times.
“The theme of MIXED EMOTIONS is kind of going through the various mood swings of life. For me, both mentally and musically,” says JJ. “I don’t like to limit myself to a specific genre and enjoy the freedom to explore where to take my songs sonically. They are each different and require different treatments and approaches. I truly feel there is something for everyone on this album.”
Work on MIXED EMOTIONS began in March 2023 at Blackbird Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, and was completed in between non-stop touring. It is a passionate, artistic statement from a band unafraid to take chances but comfortable with the unique sound they have refined over their many years on the road. “Finding time between two years of heavy touring, the band put all their energy into making this album,” producer Eddie Spear stated, adding, “JJ in particular dedicated and pushed himself to near destruction to get the vocal performances and arrangements to be as enjoyable as they are. There’s nothing better than making music with your friends and I am so proud to have helped facilitate the production of such a fantastic collection of songs.”
Crunching guitars and pounding drums underscore the high-octane, adrenaline-fueled singles, “ Rock N Roller,” and “Back Door” – songs which show us how to let the good times roll even when the times are hard. Elsewhere, KALEO displays sonic restraint, drawing inspiration from folk and American roots. On single “Lonely Cowboy” they utilize subtle plucked acoustic guitars ringing over haunting pedal steels. Slow building anthem “USA Today,” unleashes a sound more impassioned, and thought-provoking than anything the band has released to date. Throughout JJ’s distinct and inimitable vocals shine, sharing potent stories of overcoming adversity and finding peace within.
The band have been celebrating the new music with numerous notable press moments including features with Spin Magazine, Forbes, American Songwriter, and an incredible Late Night TV performance of “Rock N Roller” on Jimmy Kimmel Live – watch the performance HERE. “Rock N Roller” was also chosen to appear in the 2024 MLB All-Star Game campaign and was the theme song for the entire season of SEC Football on ABC. In addition, “USA Today” was used in the first trailer for Season 5 (Pt. 2) of Yellowstone, and “Legacy” is currently featured as the theme song for the NHL on TNT Stanley Cup Playoffs campaign.