JJ Julius Son offers a soulful delivery

KALEO’s “Payback Tour 2024” rolled through Red Hat Amphitheater in Raleigh, NC, on September 17th, delivering an unforgettable night of soulful blues-rock. Hailing from the rugged landscapes of Mosfellsbær, Iceland, KALEO, led by the unmistakable voice of JJ Julius Son (vocals, guitar), filled the air with their powerful sound. JJ was joined by drummer Davíð Antonsson, bassist Daniel Kristjansson, guitarist Rubin Pollock, and keyboardist Þorleifur Gaukur Davíðsson. The band is known for their breakout album A/B (2016) and their most recent release Surface Sounds (2021), both of which were front and center in the setlist. The “Payback Tour” spans 25 dates across North America, starting in July and culminating in Las Vegas, Nevada, on October 5th. Fans in Raleigh soaked in the energy, snapping up merchandise that ranged from vintage-style tees to exclusive vinyl. For those still buzzing from the show, check out their full discography and merch on KALEO’s official website.

Opening the evening was Texas-born singer-songwriter Chance Peña, who set the mood with his emotional, acoustic-driven folk music. Backed by John Smith on bass and Peter Hayes on drums, Peña’s performance was a highlight, drawing from his EP The Inevitable (2023) and his earlier work anxiety & mixed emotions (2020). The woman vocalist performing with Chance Peña is Abby Peña, Chance’s wife. She often joins him on stage, harmonizing beautifully and adding a deeper emotional layer to his performances. Her vocals provide a rich complement to Chance’s folk sound, enhancing the intimacy of his live shows. Peña’s raw, heartfelt delivery had the crowd captivated from the first strum to the final note. His performance on this tour has been a perfect complement to KALEO’s high-energy rock. For fans looking to revisit the magic, or those wanting to explore more of his music, Peña’s official website offers a full range of his discography, as well as exclusive tour merchandise.

Chance Pena

KALEO