KALI is a 16-year-old singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Yes, 16. Having started writing and recording music a few years ago, her blend of indie-rock with an edge of California surf has drawn young audiences to her performances in LA venues, including The Smell and The Viper Room. With Back To The Start, KALI is unveiling her debut release.
KALI’s lo-fi reimagining of indie pop draws on similar inspiration as Clairo and Soccer Mommy, with that kind of flabby looseness Rostam has been so influential in popularising. The windy-beach feel of debut single Back To The Start hints at a distinctive direction for KALI that is her own, however.
What initially drew me in with Back To The Start is the way KALI blends a rawness with deliberate and purposeful polish. Just the opening 30-seconds or so demonstrate a sophistication rarely heard on a debut release. Thick and heavy bass underpinning shimmering guitar work, an overheard voice talking on the phone, and suddenly Back To The Start is off... A granite-like guitar riff throwing caution to the wind, as snares pound the pavement like rapid footsteps slapping the pavement, running both to and from the same thing.
Back To The Start feels like a lovely nightmare — one of those things you know you should escape from, but can’t quite bring yourself to. In describing her writing inspiration, KALI says:
“As I got older, I started to have experiences that were much more emotional and personal, and songwriting became an actual necessity instead of something that was fun for me to do.”
There is a surprising emotional maturity and authenticity to KALI’s sound here that validates that statement. It’s a cliché, but her sound betrays a wiseness beyond her years. With its sophisticated production, beautiful artwork and a great video (co-directed by KALI, Zealand Yancy and Sophia Ziskin), Back To The Start feels set for success. I can’t wait to hear more.