The term alt-pop gets bandied around a lot these days, but Kelela’s music feels like it might work as a dictionary definition of the term. From her early work guesting on Danny Brown and Clams Casino tracks to releasing albums via the legendary electronica label Warp, her ambitions stretch beyond simply being a ‘pop star’ even if she also, demonstrably, makes a variation of pop music.
Her interests are a great example of the collapse of over-and-underground distinctions in the internet age. Sure, she collaborates with Pink Pantheress, but she also releases reading primers that list her favourite intersectional philosophers and theorists.
Her third album ‘New Avatar’ is her most successfully-realised, futuristic fusion yet. These 12 tracks meld moody UK garage and neo-soul with the textures of shoegaze and alt-rock, often recalling the dreamy cloud-rock sound of Chanel Tres, Nourished By Time, ML Bush and many others.
Against Me warps layered guitar leads beyond recognition, resulting in slippery, oneiric textures. Linknb is a heavenly banger — two minutes of guitar arpeggios and unpredictable beats, while Goin Down moulds Smashing Pumpkins-style guitars into something deeply engaging and “heavy” in a whole new manner.
The force of Kelela’s vision ensures that the record’s experiments remain cohesive throughout. Her voice is consistently wonderful (see the heavenly layers of Crystalize) and her aesthetic palette feels both unique, innovative and emotionally resonant. ‘New Avatar’ is comfortably one of the best pop albums of 2026, whatever that means.
Kelela Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Wed November 04 2026 - LONDON O2 Academy Brixton
Tue September 08 2026 - SEATTLE Washington - Showbox (USA)
Wed September 09 2026 - PORTLAND Oregon - Wonder Ballroom (USA)
Sun September 13 2026 - ENGLEWOOD Colorado - Gothic Theatre (USA)
Tue September 15 2026 - AUSTIN Texas - Emo's Austin (USA)
Wed September 16 2026 - DALLAS Texas - House of Blues Dallas (USA)
Thu September 17 2026 - HOUSTON Texas - House of Blues Houston (USA)
Mon September 21 2026 - LOS ANGELES California - Wiltern (USA)
Tue September 22 2026 - LOS ANGELES California - Wiltern (USA)
Wed September 23 2026 - SAN DIEGO California - Observatory North Park (USA)
Thu September 24 2026 - PHOENIX Arizona - Van Buren (USA)
Mon October 05 2026 - MINNEAPOLIS Minnesota - Varsity Theater (USA)
Tue October 06 2026 - CHICAGO Illinois - Vic Theatre (USA)
Wed October 07 2026 - TORONTO Ontario - Danforth Music Hall (Canada)
Fri October 09 2026 - NEW YORK New York - Brooklyn Paramount (USA)
Sat October 10 2026 - NEW YORK New York - Brooklyn Paramount (USA)
Sun October 11 2026 - PHILADELPHIA Pennsylvania - Theatre Of Living Arts (USA)
Tue October 13 2026 - SILVER SPRING Maryland - Fillmore Silver Spring (USA)
Wed October 14 2026 - CHARLOTTE North Carolina - Underground (USA)
Thu October 15 2026 - ATLANTA Georgia - Buckhead Theatre (USA)
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