At long last, Melbourne's Kandalini have unleashed their debut EP upon the world, and it's a ferocious beast of a record. This isn't just a collection of songs; it's a sonic snapshot of the band's journey, a raw and honest reflection of their experiences, and a testament to their explosive live energy.
Kandalini themselves describe the EP as "a perfect picture of where we started, and strong indications of what else we have coming." And what a start it is. Trying to pigeonhole their sound is like trying to nail jelly to a wall. It's a glorious mash-up of punk, surf, slacker rock, indie, grunge, garage, and hard rock, all blended together with a healthy dose of "who cares?" attitude.
Across just five tracks, the EP takes you on a wild ride. One minute you're headbanging to an infectious pop-punk banger, the next you're lost in a sprawling seven-minute rock epic, then hurtling through a melodic grunge odyssey. "Growing up in the outer suburbs, being jaded by the frivolity of suburban life and all that it entails is a common theme," explains vocalist and guitarist Dale Mamo. This sense of disillusionment and restless energy fuels the EP, giving it a raw, visceral power.
But don't mistake this for just another angst-ridden rock record. Kandalini are masters of their craft, delivering ripping solos, monster riffs, and brutal drumming with a precision that belies their chaotic energy. The band's origins stretch back to high school, with Mamo and drummer Johnny Foti playing drum-less covers before recruiting Foti after witnessing his ferocious drumming. Bassist Scott Gulbis and guitarist Adam Buttigieg joined later, solidifying the line-up and adding further depth to their sound.
"We aren’t a very unified band when it comes to influences," admits Mamo. "However, the musical direction of the band is heavily directed by late 80s/90s grunge, punk, and post-hardcore." This eclectic mix of influences shines through in every track, creating a sound that's both familiar and refreshingly unique.
Recorded at Hothouse Audio in St Kilda and produced by Mamo himself, the EP has a raw, live feel that perfectly captures the band's energy. With mixing by Jez Giddings and mastering by Joe Carra, the final product is a powerful and polished statement of intent from a band that's clearly going places. If this is just the beginning, then the future looks very bright indeed for Kandalini.
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