EP Review: Kllo ‘Well Worn’
Kllo’s highly anticipated EP ‘Well Worn’ is full of statements, the most prominent being that this electro-pop duo have come a long way since their 2014 debut ‘Cusp’. ‘Well Worn’ is a blend of classy melodies and mature production, offering just a small taste of what’s to come from the Melbournian pair.
Starting off with bubbly synthesizer melodies, opening number Walls To Build will hook you in with its infectious rhythms and delicate production before the vocals have even started. Moments throughout the song highlight the subtle R’n’B depth in the duo’s voices, their breathy harmonies stealing the spotlight in the chorus. The lyrics flow just as naturally as the melody, burying a deeper underlying subject matter in clever rhymes –“There’s no way to get through it/Nothing to grasp to, not what I’m used to, hope that it will move soon”.
After a sampling-packed intro, Bolide gives way to dreamy, flowing vocals. The energetic dance rhythm is both constant and off-beat, as is every other element of the track – the vocals are soft and restrained, almost fading into the background as the rhythm takes hold just before the second stanza, while the synth pulses away underneath.
The suspenseful piano intro to On My Name supports a thick tapestry of layered samples almost reminiscent of a Jack Garratt concoction.
An ethereal collection of synth notes interspersed with a heartbeat rhythm makes for a strong opening to middle track Sense – think Wafia meets George Maple. Vocal vibrato takes a starring role throughout in the sustained notes rounding off each line, the slow motion of each verse leaving plenty of room for the chorus to build. Featuring more classic R’n’B chord progressions supported by modern production, the refrain becomes a musical collision of 2007 and 2016.
The suspenseful piano intro to On My Name supports a thick tapestry of layered samples almost reminiscent of a Jack Garratt concoction. Sparse instrumentation in the first verse accentuates the softness of the duo’s vocals, their harmonic clashes creating an unexpectedly appealing dissonance. The track takes on a delicate balance, counteracting an unusual melody with a sturdy beat.
Closing number Don’t Be The One boasts the most energetic opening of the EP, an almost-novel bouncing synth melody leading into smooth, ethereal synth and vocal fillers. Featuring a production style reminiscent of British songstress Lapsley’s influence, Kllo highlights the smooth vocals and lyrical flow with a simple backing track – “Holding onto/Something we know/Think about it/How could I forget you”.
Armed with a mixed bag of new material and older favourites, Kllo are preparing for a national tour this month. You can catch the dynamic duo performing their EP live at the dates below!
Kllo’s ‘Well Worn’ EP is out now. Check out their leading single Bolide below!
Kllo ‘Well Worn’ Tour Dates
FRI 12 AUG
Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
w/ Golden Vessel + Abraham Tilbury
SAT 13 AUG
Plan B, Sydney
w/ Wallace + GUSSY
FRI 19 AUG
Howler, Melbourne
w/ Martin King + CORIN + The Harpoons (DJs)
THU 25 AUG
The Rosemount, Perth
w/ Kučka(DJ set) + Bahasa Malay + Kopano+ GRRL PAL (DJ set)
SAT 27 AUG
Rocket Bar, Adelaide
w/ Oscilla + Young Muscle (DJs)
Get Tickets HERE
