This North London based group are really something different and refreshing in UK music, with a blend of Indie, pop and even afrobeat to name a few influences you can hear in their tracks.

Consisting of members, Jim Higson (Lead Vocals), Daniel McCarthy (Guitar, Vocals), Ben Batten (Drums), Reeve Coulson (Bass), and Dan Lee (Guitar), the name Kawlal is not what you might think. It is definitely not some link to the Australian tree climbing bear, but instead a reference to the Fillapino word, meaning loose and unbound, which they would hope is portrayed in the creativity of their music. 

With an interesting guitar rhythm from the very minute this song starts, we can tell it is highly original. The vocals of Jim Higson are absolutely unique too, at times you’ll think, oh that sounds a bit like so and so, then it changes and so will your mind, finally coming to the realisation that comparisons are futile and you accept that he has a really rather special originality to his vocal. The drums pushes this song along and the melody is beautiful, with harmonies in places that sit effortlessly in the mix and give the song a lovely blended finish. However, listen to the words, it’s not meant to be lovely, it talks us through a pretty horrible breakup which would normally have a darker more sinister backing than ‘Animals’, but there are lines of hope and bravery that warrant the beautify in the music. Phrases like ‘hold on to your worth or you’ll be broken’ it reinforces the inner strength people need when things get tough, and the exquisite blend of instruments and vocal help the lighter shades come through in this music. 

Kawala have been going now for 3 years and have been growing steadily as a band and creative force ever since. ‘Animals’ is an excellent song that will help their reputation grow and shows how a thoughtful blend of musical genres can work to showcase raw talent in performers and songwriters.

 Indie     Alternative 

Author: Phil Arnold

Phil Arnold is a musician, producer and music reviewer from Devon, in the South West of England. Whilst not writing music reviews, Phil also writes and records under the name of Ugbrooke.