Renowned Danish quartet Kalaha, celebrated for their eclectic blend of global musical influences, is set to release their highly anticipated sixth album, ‘Nord Havn’, on January 26th. This latest offering from the multi-award-winning group will be available through April Records.
Since their formation in 2013, Kalaha has captivated audiences and critics alike with their unique fusion of Brazilian Samba, Anatolian rock, African highlife, desert blues, and contemporary western electronic music. Their innovative approach has earned them a special place in the hearts of vinyl connoisseurs and music aficionados worldwide.
‘Nord Havn’ marks a significant moment in the band’s evolution, returning to their roots as an instrumental quartet. This new record comes on the heels of their 2022 release ‘Tutku’, a collaborative project with the Aarhus Jazz Orchestra and vocalist Hilal Kaya, which celebrated the sound of 1970s Turkish music.
Recorded over two weeks in the snowy landscape of Nordhavn, Copenhagen’s old industrial harbour, ‘Nord Havn’ consists of nine original compositions that pay homage to the band’s hometown and the memories of a rapidly gentrifying area. The album uses the harbour as a metaphor for a portal to the wider world, with the band’s signature blend of diverse influences, including psychedelic rock, acid techno, surf rock, the Indian classical drone of a tanpura, dub, 70’s fusion, and more.
The album promises to be a sensory experience, featuring squelching synthesizers, pulsing delays, field recordings, and immersive production. This enhances the already vibrant live quartet sound into something larger than life and modern. Beyond its danceable grooves and worldly melodies, the album reveals the band’s skilled jazz musicianship, adept improvisations, experienced songwriting, and rich harmonic palette.
Kalaha comprises Emil de Waal on drums, percussion, and vocals, Nicholas Knudsen wielding electric and acoustic guitars and guitar synth, Jens “Rumpistol” Berents Christiansen on synths, Rhodes, 303, and electronics, and Anders Stig Moller on electric bass, electric fretless bass, synth, and electronics.
The album ‘Nord Havn’ includes tracks such as "Ciklide Kaj", "Norsk Fars", and the eponymous "Nordhavn", promising a journey through the multifaceted sonic landscape that Kalaha is renowned for.
For more information and to experience the magic of Kalaha, visit their website at https://kalahamusic.dk/.
Track Listing for 'Nord Havn'
Ciklide Kaj
Norsk Fars
Nordhavn
Tunnelfabrik
Sara Banderole
Havne Frode
Bolværksmatrosens Blues
Nordiske Fjer
Bjergmokka
