KALEO delighted the audience at their first performance at the renowned Ryman Auditorium this week.

Surrounded by bright white lights that lit the entire stage, KALEO entered amid cheers from the crowd. The Icelandic rock band immediately began with Break My Baby, commanding the audience with confidence. They set the tone for a phenomenal, almost otherworldly, performance.

The band continued with Alter Ego, maintaining a folksy atmosphere focused on lead singer JJ’s stunning vocals. Pausing after their next song, I Can’t Go On Without You, JJ reflected upon the achievement of performing at the storied venue in his “second home” in Nashville. Following this reflection, KALEO continued the concert with the only song on their setlist in their native Icelandic. Melodic tunes filled the historic building and enraptured fans as a calm atmosphere settled in the crowd.

The middle of the concert was marked by a blend of notable songs from KALEO’s two latest albums, Surface Sounds and A/B. I was struck by the effortless collaboration amongst the band for Automobile, Backbone and Hey Gringo. The tempo picked up as the crowd participated in the next two songs, Broken Bones and Hot Blood, with a combination of clapping along to the beat and a call-and-response interlude aided by the band’s backup singers. Next, drummer David Antonnson’s displayed his incredible skills during a drum solo that captivated fans.

As the show wound to a close, KALEO continued to cultivate the energetic atmosphere with Brother Run Fast and I Walk on Water. Fans leapt to their feet, swaying and singing along with some of the most enchanting ballads of the evening. KALEO ended their standard set with Skinny, and their most famous song to date, Way Down We Go. The joyousness of the crowd was on full display as cheers erupted for the encore. The incredible performance closed with No Good, marking the end of the indie rock team’s notable first performance at the storied Ryman Auditorium.

Photos: Morgan Winston