Kami Kehoe - Kandy EP
- Samuel Stevens
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
With a wave of cryptic teasers and viral previews, Kami Kehoe’s Kandy has been one of 2025’s most anticipated alt-rock releases. Set for release on July 25, 2025, via Atlantic Records, Coup D'Etat Recordings, and 10K Projects, the EP cements Kami as a fearless new voice who thrives on breaking genre barriers. Known for blending shoegaze haze, metallic aggression, and hip-hop swagger, Kami crafts a sound that’s both visceral and cinematic—one that speaks to both pain and empowerment.
Thematically, Kandy is a raw, metaphor-rich journey through heartbreak, temptation, and the duality of pleasure and pain. “Even when something feels good, it doesn’t always mean it’s good for you,” Kami explains, a sentiment that ties the EP’s five tracks together. Using candy and drugs as metaphors for toxic relationships, she delivers a narrative that is as emotionally charged as it is sonically bold.
The opener, “KANDY,” sets the tone with an ominous, pulsating riff and moody, hypnotic vocal layers. It’s part siren call, part warning sign—a fitting prelude to the emotional rollercoaster that follows. While the following track, “OBSESSED,” is just pure volatility. Its driving percussion and snarling guitar lines echo the turmoil of unhealthy attachment, blending grunge textures with modern alt-rock polish. “MAKE U HATE ME” pushes Kami’s rebellious streak to the forefront. Gritty basslines and swagger-laden verses give it a sneering confidence that feels almost confrontational, while the hook is pure earworm material.
The EP’s lead single, “DOPAMINE,” is a standout moment, both musically and emotionally. Written during a particularly low point in Kami’s life, the track builds from a vulnerable whisper to a cathartic, soaring chorus that begs to be screamed back at her live shows. The song’s dark, intoxicating production mirrors the addictive cycle of chasing temporary highs, whether through love, lust, or self-destructive habits. It’s no surprise the track went viral before its official release, amassing millions of views across TikTok and Instagram. The closing track, “COME DOWN,” strips back the chaos briefly for a more reflective tone, which is driven by an acoustic guitar. Its atmospheric guitars and raw, aching vocal performance offer a moment of clarity—an emotional comedown after the EP’s frenetic highs. But it doesn't mean Kahoe can't still bring the heat with one more full-blown rock tune.
At just twenty-two years old, Kami Kehoe has managed to carve out a lane of her own in the alt-rock world. Kandy not only showcases her vocal versatility—ranging from velvety croons to feral screams—but also her talent for blending genres into a cohesive and deeply personal statement. It’s an EP that feels tailor-made for festival stages, with its gritty textures and emotional catharsis resonating with both the Warped Tour crowd and mainstream rock audiences.
With Kandy’s release, Kami is primed for an explosive year. A Warped Tour debut, a fall run with Daughtry, Seether, and P.O.D., and a first-time slot at Louder Than Life mark her rapid ascent in a scene that’s long been craving fresh blood.
Kandy is a daring, addictive ride through heartbreak and self-discovery. It’s heavy yet melodic, dark yet euphoric—an EP that hits like a sugar rush with a razor-sharp aftertaste. Kami Kehoe has all the makings of alt-rock’s next major star, and Kandy is her strongest case yet.
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