Kainalu, Javier Reyes, The Earthlings at Majestic

Ever since emerging in 2017 with the Bloom Lagoon EP, multi-instrumentalist/producer/songwriter Trent Prall has channeled slick psychedelia through his project Kainalu. With a meticulous ear, Prall blends Hawaiian influences, decidedly funky touches, and a yearning to grapple with complex themes, working with a rich palette and giving himself plenty of room to evolve. This hometown show will celebrate the November release of Kainalu’s second full-length album, Ginseng Hourglass. 

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The nine-song project sharpens Prall’s ability to hone in on specific sounds, making every synth patch, drum hit, and breathy vocal phrase feel intentional while giving it all room to flow. The guitar sounds on the title track build from taut, trebly chords to a fuzzy haze, creating a hopeful arc around lyrics that contemplate surrender and control (“Open and listen / The more you resist them / Sands of your ginseng winding down”). The little details and the big questions are always in a conversation here. Loss and doubt leave an especially heavy mark on “Queen Of Wands” and “Zizia,” which also showcase Prall’s gift for capturing truly exquisite bass sounds—bright and plucky but digging in deep, just like the songs themselves.

—Scott Gordon

Photo by Julianna Photography.