B-Side Guys

From the unlikely origins of internet forums and Tinder connections emerges “Golfströmmen” (The Gulf Stream), a compelling preview of Örebro sextet Kallsup’s forthcoming debut album “En sista rädning.” The track demonstrates how quickly this young band has evolved from their 2022 formation into a cohesive unit with a distinctive voice in the contemporary shoegaze landscape.

The production, mixed by David Enquist and mastered by Magnus Lindberg, creates a careful balance between crushing guitar work and more delicate elements. Edwin Karolczak and Carl Libert’s guitars create the expected walls of sound, but it’s their interaction with Elin Lindström Svernby’s synthesizers that gives the track its unique character. This layering creates a sonic metaphor for the Gulf Stream itself – a warm current cutting through cold waters.

The dual vocal approach of Eline Gustafsson and Carl Libert brings depth to lyrics that explore themes of vulnerability and resignation. Opening with “Allvar, rasera mig” (Seriously, demolish me), the song sets a tone of willing dissolution. The recurring refrain “Trots inget att ta från” (Despite nothing left to take from) speaks to a state of emotional depletion, while lines like “Håller din hand om ett annat” (Holding your hand about something else) suggest disconnection despite physical proximity. These Swedish lyrics, delivered with raw emotion, create a universal narrative about emotional exhaustion and the search for connection.

This latest single builds upon the promise shown in last fall’s “Novis,” showcasing a band that has found its footing in the intersection of traditional shoegaze and post-punk elements. The rehearsal room recording approach preserves an organic quality that many modern shoegaze productions lack, creating an intimacy that belies the music’s expansive nature.

“Golfströmmen” stands as a testament to how quickly Kallsup has evolved from a group of strangers into a unified artistic force. As they prepare for their upcoming Swedish and German tour, this track suggests their debut album will be worth the wait.