KAWALA’s Farewell: 'Kawala Collection' Brings Their Journey to a Bittersweet End

North London-based indie band KAWALA have marked the beginning of their final few months as a five-piece with the release of their last album, ‘KAWALA Collection’.

KAWALA first emerged on the scene in 2017, initially as an acoustic duo, when lead singer Jim Higson and guitarist Daniel McCarthy met while studying music at university. 

They eventually expanded into a five-piece, joined by drummer Ben Batten, bassist Reeve Coulson, and guitarist Dan Lee. KAWALA went on to release two albums, and embark on multiple tours, both on their own and supporting the likes of Bombay Bicycle Club. Their 2022 single ‘Ticket to Ride’ skyrocketed in popularity after being featured on the FIFA soundtrack. Now, the band are calling it a day, wrapping up their journey as a band with one final tour across the UK and Europe, alongside the release of 'KAWALA Collection'.

The eight-track mini-album is an extended version of their 2024 single ‘Old Me’, blending a handful of unreleased songs with some familiar favourites. Whether it’s through fan-designed EP covers, socially distanced car boot shows during the lockdown days, or giving away free merch at their shows, KAWALA have always maintained a close bond with their fanbase. Ending their journey by releasing studio versions of songs that have only ever been performed live feels like the perfect sense of closure and a truly heartfelt parting gift to their loyal fans.

The album opens with ‘Time Slipping Away’, a classically catchy pop track that will immediately brighten your day. Track two introduces the first of the new songs. ‘Good Morning’ has a slightly more laid-back yet equally positive vibe, synonymous with the theme of a carefree and easygoing kind of love woven into the lyrics. It’s a freeing and cheery song that captures the honeymoon phase, when your significant other feels like a breath of fresh air. This track stands out on the album, leaning into a slightly more electronic sound than their usual style.

The album then segues into the previously released ‘What’s Up’, ‘Old Me’, and ‘I Feel You’. ‘What’s Up’ feels particularly reflective of their current status as a band, with the lyric ‘I wish you the best’ echoed repeatedly in the chorus - a sentiment of change between the band members and their fans as their journeys diverge with nothing but love and respect for each other. ‘Old Me’ continues this nostalgic theme, with the band explaining upon its release that it was born from contemplating what their lives would look like as they got older. These worries eventually evolved into a song that serves as a time capsule to look back on in the years to come.

This easygoing yet hopeful vibe carries through the entire album. ‘Make A Difference’ and ‘Honeycomb’ serve as the final two new tracks bringing one last dose of clean production and melodic guitar riffs that have become KAWALA signatures.

The mini-album ends on ‘American Adrenaline’. This has already been solidified as a firm favourite, finalising the KAWALA collection with an absolute anthem. This album is a perfect culmination of everything you know and love about KAWALA, while also offering some unique final touches that bring their journey to a spectacular end.

Grace Taylor

@gracelizabetht

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