KALI - “Someone to Hold”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 5

Pairs Well With…Claud, Clairo, girl in red

Synth pop mixes with bedroom rock in KALI’s music, soft and warm, but still driving along in subtly hooky ways. An emerging artist out of LA, KALI released her debut EP Circles last year and each of the record’s six tracks are built on memorable choruses and riffs, a surprisingly tight offering from the start. KALI finds catchiness in melancholy moods, a sound that is cozy and grooving, dreamy and sweet. Look out for 80s and 90s pop influence in KALI’s music, a studied sound that maintains interest throughout, even as she rides around similar vibes track to track. Playing all instruments and co-producing Circles, KALI can be tagged with the ‘phenom’ badge. An under-eighteen artist, KALI’s melodic strength quickly gives evidence of her natural touch - if it’s only up from here, she’ll be an artist to keep an eye on for years to come. (Kevin McStravick)