Emerging from the Shadows: Kalupto's Captivating Debut EP 'Static Hideout'

July 07, 2024

Emerging from the Shadows: Kalupto's Captivating Debut EP 'Static Hideout'

French-based artist Kalupto has released their debut EP, 'static hideout,' on June 13th. Kalupto is inspired by bands like Bon Iver and the poetic style of one of the most successful French artists Francis Cabrel. The title 'static hideout' refers to both the constant hum of static electricity and a feeling of being stuck, like the apathy Kalupto knows too well. The artist's name, Kalupto, actually means "to hide" in Ancient Greek, which totally suits them as we’ve been told they’re very shy. It perfectly describes their introvert personality. They're also really into the idea of Plato's cave. They use it as a metaphor for feeling trapped in the digital world. The whole EP feels like Kalupto is trying to break free from all that.

The EP kicks off with "I know it's hard," and it’s really something. It’s a loop resonating in the voice of its Soul-influenced composer Calypso (their real name), as if KALUPTO is calling from afar, from an Elsewhere that is difficult to reach. Then there's "kalupto II," which has this almost divine vibe. It starts with this intimate dialogue between the keys and Kalupto’s unique and high-pitched voice. Then there’s this profound silence and the track transitions halfway through to a rhythmic electric guitar making the whole thing an immersive listening experience.

Following this, you got "CLRBLD," a cover of Counting Crows' "Colorblind," which is an amazing acapella piece. The way Kalupto uses background vocals is really smart. They have this undeniable talent for reinterpreting and adding new life to this song. This cover works very well with the rest of the EP, showcasing vulnerability and introspection. Then there’s "Toulon," which is another great highlight. It has this beautiful interplay between the keys and Kalupto's dreamy vocals, it’s giving off Solange Knowles' vibe from her album 'When I Get Home.' The way the music and vocals interact in "Toulon" adds depth and richness to the EP.

The EP wraps up with the outro "28012016". It captures a moment from Kalupto's voice recorder, taking us back to when "Toulon (démo)" was created on January 28, 2016. It's raw and intimate, giving us a peek into Kalupto's creative process. Overall, "static hideout" make us experience Kalupto's journey from being shy and introspective to slowly stepping out into the world. This debut is unique, beautiful, compelling and highly immersive leaving a truly lasting impression.