Kawala at Here at Outernet

Entering on stage in a comically cinematic fashion, Kawala confidently faced a sold-out, packed crowd in their first headline show in London in two years. The five-piece band, consisting of frontmen Jim Higson and Daniel McCarthy, drummer Ben Batten, bassist Reeve Coulson and guitarist Dan Lee, brought their fusion of indie pop with folk elements to Here at Outernet in central London. For the next hour and a half, the group showcased their discography, old and new, playing songs from their extended 2022 debut album, Better With You, as well as their latest singles.

Opening with the recently released Time Slipping Away, the audience was immediately energised. The catchy pop track laid the groundwork for the night, showcasing what Kawala seem to be known for; carefree, light vocals, a rhythmic groove and melodic guitar riffs. It’s clear they have an established fan base, with the audience enthusiastically singing and dancing along to crowd-pleasers like Animals, Searching and Funky. Full of syncopated, clean instrumentation, it was easy to bop along to, especially when paired with the excellent and somewhat ethereal visuals that were being displayed in the background. 

With entries like What’s Up and their most well-known number Ticket to Ride, the group demonstrate their ability to cultivate an easy-going and chilled vibe. A particular highlight was during the stripped-back performance of Mighty River. The house lights went up, and with only a simple guitar strum, and two voices in harmony, it was a much-needed breather for the audience, as well as a treat for fans who have been with them since their inception.

In their sound, you can hear the influences of indie and folk staples such as Two Door Cinema Club, Parcels, Glass Animals and Mumford & Sons, but it is also clear that they are still trying to establish their own style. The result is a combination of songs that have good instrumentation and structure but are somewhat repetitive, with many sounding familiar without much variety to differentiate them.

Despite this, it was obvious that Kawala are well-loved and appreciated, with everyone in the crowd finding enjoyment in the undeniably charming, happy-go-lucky atmosphere the group created. With such support, their success can only grow.

Sunny Morgan
Photos: Mike Garnell

For further information and future events visit Kawala’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Ticket to Ride here: