If Nick Drake went to Sault Ste. Marie, sang a Bob Dylan cover with Wilco as his backing band guest starring Stephen Malkmus and Neil Young and then went to record his album with Radiohead and Jim O'Rourke.
Klinkt als
In stores @
Sault Ste. Marie, ON:
CD Plus
The Rad Zone
Ottawa, ON:
End Hits
Sounds Unlikely
Compact Music (Glebe & Downtown)
Kalle Wainio started writing and performing songs at the age of 17 under the pseudonym ‘Kalle Mattson’. In early ‘08 he was joined by comrades Rory Lewis and Patrick Larkin, expanding Kalle Mattson from a Dylan-influenced solo act into an experimental folk-rock trio. They self-produced their first EP in July 2008, entitled Telescope. Telescope sold out all 150 limited edition discs in six short months. After countless shows, Kalle Mattson returned to the studio in January ‘09, working with local legends Mark Gough (Best Engineer – 2009 NOMFA) and multi-instrumentalist Frank Deresti on bass. The result of this collaboration is a new disc entitled ‘Whisper Bee’ which expands and improves even further on Kalle Mattson’s original folk, experimental, and pop blend. ‘Whisper Bee’ was released in May ‘09. Now with a talented new lineup consisting of Kalle Wainio (Songs, Lead Vocals, Guitar), Rory Lewis (Lead Guitar, Synthesizers, Audible Strangeness), Théan Slabbert (Bass, Backing Vocals), and Jimmie Chiverelli (Percussion), they have created a unique, and energetic live sound. Inspired by the many artists with which they have shared the stage (The Wooden Sky, Great Bloomers, You Say Party We Say Die!, Coco Love Alcorn, The Pack A.D., Vancougar, The Deep Dark Woods, Spiral Beach, Elliott Brood and Cowboy Junkies to name a few), the future looks very bright for Kalle Mattson.
"Kalle Wainio on the other hand, seems to be wise beyond his years musically and emotionally. The Sault Ste. Marie native and his band – Kalle Mattson - show more potential than any young band I’ve come across lately." - HeroHill.com
"Like Wilco colliding with a sunny day, Kalle Mattson injects indie-rock with elements off-kilter folk and rootsy accents. Ringing guitars, Jeff Tweedy-style vocals, and exhibiting rock finesse to counterbalance their youngish appearance. This four-piece from Sault Ste. Marie is a triumph of radiant energy. They definitely have their hearts in the right place." - The Lonely Vagabond
"Their music is reminiscent of a more lyrically accessible John K. Samson combined with a softer, slightly more tender take on Wilco's melodic sensibilities. Sad and simple; charming in their honesty. When these qualities are placed inside of Kalle Mattson's skillfully created melodic folk-rock sound, it makes for a highly enjoyable album with which pretty much anyone can identify. I've said before that I think this type of music is intrinsically therapeutic for the human soul." - The Mad Ones
"Whisper Bee is a quaint, pleasant, conversational album from what seems like a really nice group of kids(?)..." - London, Burgeoning Metropolis
"Songs like Hall of Oats and Bomb Threat Blues had heads bobbing and bodies dancing, while others such as Jack Frost and Come To Me (In Symmetry) evoked thoughtful reflection and showcased Wainio's impressive skills as a lyricist." - Donna Hopper (Sootoday)
"One of Sault Ste. Marie's most talented bands... with time Kalle Mattson will easily be named among the great folk/indie artists." Telescope EP - ★★★★☆ Whisper Bee LP - ★★★★☆ - Northern Rocks
I was one of the few packed into wee little Cafe Ole when you played here a couple months ago. I'm actually writing to you from one of the wobbly little tables in Cafe Ole, sipping on a delicious mocha. I greatly enjoyed your show, and adored the lyrics. Christine should definitely have you back some time.
That was a great set at The Drake. Like Wilco colliding with a sunny day, Kalle Mattson injects indie-rock with elements off-kilter folk and rootsy accents. Ringing guitars, Jeff Tweedy-style vocals, and exhibiting rock finesse to counterbalance their youngish appearance. This four-piece from Sault St Marie is a triumph of radiant energy. They definitely have their hearts in the right place.
Hey, thanks for the request and introducing me to your music. Good to hear from a fellow Ontarian.
Great recordings, I wish I could get my stuff to sound this good. I need to face the fact that I'm a crummy producer and get someone who knows what they're doing to help me out, haha.
Very nice Wilco-as-background-with-Radiohead-for-recording influence. Is there any way to get Whisper Bee as a physical disc or... do I have to rely on iTunes/crossing the Canadian border to see a show?
