Unique sounding music is increasingly hard to find these days, however you need not look any further than to British band Kawala if this is what you seek. The indie-folk/pop band from north London consists of members Jim Higson (Lead Vocals), Daniel McCarthy (Guitar, Vocals), Ben Batten (Drums), Reeve Coulson (Bass), and Dan Lee (Guitar). The name, ‘Kawala’ comes from a Filipino word for loose and unbound, which in turn perfectly describes the music that these talented lads create together. Kawala are currently on tour with sold-out dates across the Uk in anticipation for their debut album, ‘Better with You’ which will be released on the 4th of March 2022. We were lucky enough to catch the lads as they played a fantastic near-sold-out show down at the Manchester Club Academy. Support for the night came from the brilliant Master Peace.
From the very second that Kawala took to the stage good vibes instantly spread throughout the venue and there wasn’t a moment where this faded throughout the entire night. The lads were in top form and you could tell they were incredibly happy to be back in Manchester and playing live music to the sea of adoring fans in the crowd. The night got under way with ‘Funky’ and the boys would go on to play a whole range of their discography including fan favourites like, ‘Ticket to Ride’, ‘Do it Like You Do’ and much more. Kawala hit the road again through the UK and Europe in April 2022 for their debut album and if last night was anything to go by then it’s sure to be a special one, don’t miss it!
KAWALA
Review + Photos by Lewis Roberts | Exclusively for @Music,Why Not!