Reno, NV (7-7-26) – Grammy nominated KALEO brought their signature sound to the big stage of Reno’s Grand Sierra Theatre.
KALEO is an Icelandic blues-rock band who formed in 2012 in Mosfellsbaer, Iceland. KALEO is a
Hawaiian word which translates to “the voice”. KALEO consists of lead vocalist and guitarist JJ
Julius Son, drummer David Antonsson Crivello, bassist Daniel Kristjansson, lead guitarist Rubin
Pollock, and harmonicist Thorleifur Gaukur Davidsson.
Upon gaining notoriety in their homeland with their first album release in 2013, the band
moved to Austin, Texas upon signing with Atlantic Records. The band’s breakout song in the
states, ‘Way Down We Go’ reached number one on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart and
has been featured in over a dozen television shows.
KALEO’s music has also appeared in several video games. Most notably, Madden NFL 17, NHL
18, NHL 26, Far Cry 5, Asphalt 9: Legends, and MLB The Show 20.
Gauging from those in attendance, it was apparent that KALEO’s music connects to people of all
ages. As there were an equal number of teens wearing the band’s merch as there were adults.
A typical rock band would be complete with simply a set of drums, a bass, and rhythm/lead
guitars. KALEO also included harmonica and pedal steel guitar to round out the band’s bluesy
timelessness. And let me tell you, Thorleifur Gaukur Davidsson absolutely rocks that harmonica!
KALEO’s performance was powerful and flawless. Their signature blues-rock sound, infused
with Alternative, Folk, and Soul notes, sounded even better than studio recordings found on
their well-crafted albums.
To date, KALEO has released four studio albums; KALEO (2013), A/B (2016), Surface Sounds
(2021), and Mixed Emotions (2025).
Do not altar photos
Copyright: Chris Couture Photography
