Single: Kallsup – Golfströmmen

I’ve been sharing music from Sweden periodically, and I must say, my passion for the music from this Nordic country has only grown over time. It’s particularly thrilling for me because I’m a huge fan of the shoegaze genre, so the blending of Sweden’s rich musical landscape and my favorite genre feels like a match made in heaven.

One band that has truly caught my attention is Kallsup, hailing from Örebro, Sweden. Formed in 2022, they have been crafting a sound that beautifully intertwines dreamy shoegaze with elements of post-punk and nu-gaze, creating a unique auditory experience. The band consists of Eline Gustafsson (vocals), Edwin Karolczak (guitar), Carl Libert (vocals, guitar), William Ulff (bass), Elin Lindström Svernby (synth) and Joakim Jakobsson (drums). 

Since their inception, Kallsup has seen growth not only in their sound but also in their audience, garnering attention from the press and fans alike. They’ve started to make a name for themselves in the music scene, and it’s exciting to witness their journey unfold.

“It is an ad-saga that led six young students from different places in central Sweden to suddenly become best friends in a rehearsal room. Everyone in the band also came from various musical backgrounds, but that diversity has over time created a clear unity in how the band wants to sound and what the band wants to be. If Kallsup’s early years had a discrepancy between idea and reality where the band fumbled for both the right sound and the right members, now there is a completely different obviousness in what is done and perhaps above all how it is done.”

The band has made a name for themselves by crafting heartfelt music that explores the challenges of growing up, navigating life’s transitions, and confronting the emotional struggles that can feel like persistent cold sores. Their lyrics resonate deeply with listeners, capturing the complexities of life’s ups and downs. Currently, they are hard at work on a new album set to be released in March. In the meantime, they are excited to share a new single from this upcoming project. The press has already begun to describe this track as a poignant reflection of their signature sound, blending relatable storytelling with compelling melodies.

“A song that describes the metaphysics of blinders and the difficulty in relating to something that is both vague and hopeless. Purely musically, there are heavy guitars that drag along the abyss but still help the exhausted vocals forward. A swarm of dark sounds in a constant flow away from everything.”

The band is set to embark on a tour of Sweden and Germany this spring, and if you find yourself in those areas, I highly recommend making an effort to see them perform live. Their unique sound, especially in the shoegaze genre, is something to experience. I can’t help but wish they would include Bratislava in their tour stops because I’m always eager for more opportunities to immerse myself in the enchanting world of shoegaze music.

Their latest single has truly captivated me; it’s filled with layers of dreamy melodies and mesmerizing soundscapes that transport you to another realm. I find myself eagerly anticipating the release of their full album, as I could listen to this type of music for hours on end without ever getting bored. The artistry and depth of their newest single clearly showcase their talent and creativity, making it a standout piece that I can’t wait to discuss with fellow fans. If you’re a fan of shoegaze or simply enjoy evocative music, you won’t want to miss this band’s upcoming tour!

Written by Filip Zemcik