Born from the sounds of nature—rain falling softly, distant thunder rumbling—KALEIIDO's latest EP, Part of Nature, is an evocative journey into the heart of organic soundscapes. This three-track release is the product of live sessions recorded in May 2024 at Karens Minde Kulturhus, an open-air pavilion in Sydhavnen, Denmark. Captured by filmmaker Daniel Buchwald and sound engineer August Wanngren, the EP radiates an authenticity born of its natural setting, with rain and thunder subtly woven into the fabric of the music.
For the first time, KALEIIDO returns to its purest form as a duo, focusing solely on the interplay between saxophone and electric guitar. The result is a transcendent listening experience, blending delicate harmonies with an exploratory spirit. Each track unfolds like a chapter in a story, resonating with a deep connection to the world around us.
The free-flowing movement of melody and harmony across all layers is reminiscent of nature itself. The saxophone, which carries most of the melodic lines, imbues the album with an oriental sensibility. Beyond its use of augmented seconds, the performance and timbre of the saxophone evoke a distinctly Middle Eastern quality, adding depth and character to the soundscape.
The harmonic bed, mostly provided by the guitar and effects, serves as the foundation for the melody's free movement. It shifts fluidly between familiar classical harmonic progressions and more modern, innovative ones, creating a dynamic interplay of tension and release.
The EP opens with “Divine Sunshine,” which begins with a gentle, soft introduction. The music gradually evolves, evoking a sense of awakening or ascent, much like a sunrise. Initially, the melodies take shape from a somber harmonic foundation, gradually gaining shape and clarity as the piece progresses.
“Sweet Thunder” follows, with its more classically inclined composition. The interplay between saxophone and guitar here is particularly striking; their tightly woven, interlocking melodies in the second half of the track create a sense of movement and dialogue. The piece builds steadily, echoing the restrained yet powerful energy of a distant storm.
The album closes with “Land of Rain,” a sentimental, nostalgic piece that feels like a gentle farewell. The natural rain sounds in the background enhance its reflective mood, blurring the line between composition and environment. It’s a wistful conclusion that lingers in the mind, like the scent of rain on earth after a storm has passed.
With Part of Nature, KALEIIDO captures a fleeting, timeless essence. The duo’s decision to embrace simplicity, focusing solely on their core instruments and the natural world, results in a stunningly organic sound. This EP is meditation, a reminder to pause and absorb the beauty of the present moment. KALEIIDO’s Part of Nature is a testament to their artistic maturity and their ability to craft profound musical landscapes with minimal yet deeply impactful elements.
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