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LIVE REVIEW
KAWALA
NEWCASTLE BOILERSHOP
7th of February 2025
Review and photos: David Weddle
Ever since we heard ‘Paradise Heights’ back in 2021 it was clear that Kawala were going to make a lasting impression on the music world. At the time we described their debut mix-tape as “ uplifting, hopeful and forward looking.” and the band certainly lived up to that. Their debut album ‘Better With You’ followed soon after and the fans flocked to Kawala’s in-store tour, getting to experience the album in an intimate setting which made for a very special connection between the fans and the band.
This connection has seen their following grow year on year and while the band rode the crest of a wave, the time came in late 2024 for Kawala to call it a day, announcing that their upcoming tour promoting the new album ‘Collection’ would in fact be their farewell tour. Bringing along Australian rockers Teenage Dads with them on the tour, Kawala made sure that their fans would get a night to remember. We went along to the Newcastle show to experience this bittersweet show, well aware of just how important this night was to so many people.
Teenage Dads were really on point. Full of energy and they really got the crowd going. They definitely connected and you could see that the people in the already packed venue were really getting into it and it’s no wonder, Teenage Dads were well worth turning up early for. Ones to watch for sure.
This connection has seen their following grow year on year and while the band rode the crest of a wave, the time came in late 2024 for Kawala to call it a day, announcing that their upcoming tour promoting the new album ‘Collection’ would in fact be their farewell tour. Bringing along Australian rockers Teenage Dads with them on the tour, Kawala made sure that their fans would get a night to remember. We went along to the Newcastle show to experience this bittersweet show, well aware of just how important this night was to so many people.
Teenage Dads were really on point. Full of energy and they really got the crowd going. They definitely connected and you could see that the people in the already packed venue were really getting into it and it’s no wonder, Teenage Dads were well worth turning up early for. Ones to watch for sure.
As Kawala took to the stage you could feel that emotions were running high in the room. And it showed on the faces of the band as well, each of them momentarily taking in the atmosphere that the Newcastle crowd brought with them before kicking of the night with ‘Never Really Here For Long’ a rather apt choice for the first song.
From the first moment to the very last the band and crowd were at one with each other and although there was a sadness that was undeniable, the night was definitely an upbeat celebration of what Kawala has achieved over the last few years and the music they have created, music which has touched the hearts of so many.
Just before they broke into a stunning rendition of ‘Jesse Come On’, It was pointed out that the show at Newcastle’s Boilershop was in fact Kawala’s first headline show in the city and of course it is also their last. Kawala definitely knew how to put on a great show, there was plenty of interaction with the audience, the band getting into the crowd at one point. Making amazing memories that will be cherished by those lucky enough to be there.
The band may be going their separate ways but you can still cherish their music by visiting https://shop.kawalaofficial.com/
From the first moment to the very last the band and crowd were at one with each other and although there was a sadness that was undeniable, the night was definitely an upbeat celebration of what Kawala has achieved over the last few years and the music they have created, music which has touched the hearts of so many.
Just before they broke into a stunning rendition of ‘Jesse Come On’, It was pointed out that the show at Newcastle’s Boilershop was in fact Kawala’s first headline show in the city and of course it is also their last. Kawala definitely knew how to put on a great show, there was plenty of interaction with the audience, the band getting into the crowd at one point. Making amazing memories that will be cherished by those lucky enough to be there.
The band may be going their separate ways but you can still cherish their music by visiting https://shop.kawalaofficial.com/
