Kylesa is a band that, like many others, formed from the ashes of another project. But that is about as close as they’ll get to being similar to other bands. The metal band from Savannah, Georgia, has an unusual name in addition to an atypical line-up and sound. This spring the band will be touring extensively, first with Mastodon at the Theatre of Living Arts on May 8, Irving Plaza on May 9, and the Music Hall of Williamsburg on May 10. They’ll be back in New Jersey with Coheed & Cambria at the House of Blues on May 28 and Starland Ballroom on May 29.
The name Kylesa is a deliberate misspelling of “kilesa mara,” which is a Buddhist term defined as “anything that would hinder one from reaching enlightenment or nirvana, such as greed, aversion, or delusion.” Those negative aspects of life are what influences Kylesa’s music, which integrates bits of sludge, punk, metal, effects, and heavy guitars to create an avant-garde experimental sound fused with psychedelic rock. The band is fronted by guitarists/vocalists Phillip Cope and Laura Pleasants and bassist Corey Barhorst, and backed by two drummers; Carl McGinely and Eric Hernandez. The dual drum tracks stand out, and come together to create complex rhythms that are the backbones of the songs. The band’s latest album, Static Tensions, was released in March, and on it the band experimented with nuances and subtleties through the guitars and drums.
The Theatre of the Living Arts is located at 334 South Street, Philadelphia, and Irving Plaza is located at 17 Irving Place, New York City. Both shows are all ages and doors are at 8 p.m. The Music Hall of Williamsburg is at 66 North 6th Street in Brooklyn. It’s an 18-plus show and doors open at 6:30 p.m. Maxwell’s is located at 1039 Washington Street in Hoboken. Tickets are $10 and the show is at 8:30 p.m. The House of Blues is on 801 Boardwalk in Atlantic City, and tickets are $30-$40. It’s all ages and doors are open at 7 p.m. Starland Ballroom is at 570 Jernee Mill Road in Sayreville, and doors are at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit myspace.com/kylesa or kylesa.com.
