With the release of their debut, self-titled EP, KATHMANDU mark themselves out as ones to watch in the indie pop world.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Baron van Flymen
KATHMANDU pairs ’60s psychedelia with modern pop rock all centred around delicate and beguiling vocals.
“Each track on the EP has its own story,” explain the band. Wild Wind, which opens the record in bright and bittersweet style “describes a newfound sense of invincibility after a difficult period. It symbolizes relief, confidence, and, most importantly, new passion.”
Different Life is an early, groovy, highlight, and reflects on the aforementioned difficult period. It urges the listener to shake their hips as they listen to its wistful story of finding perspective. It’s about feeling stuck and a desire to escape.
From there, things get even more introspective with If Only and Buckley on Drugs. The former is a classic tale of unrequited love while the latter grapples with a conflict between holding on and letting go.
The EP is then rounded off by Pretty Little Lies which provides a final stripped-back moment. Things get raw during a smouldering opening before the vocals come in at their most vulnerable. At its halfway point, it kicks things up a notch, giving us raucous rock and plenty of passion. It’s a memorable finale to a charming collection.
“During the recording process, we noticed how differently the creative flow worked there: spontaneous ideas emerged, small details gained more significance, and we learned to make decisions faster together. Working so closely as a team was definitely a new experience for us,” KATHMANDU add. If it’s a new experience for them, it’s one that works. There’s a palpable sense of chemistry across the EP’s five distinctive tracks.
KATHMANDU are fast becoming favourites on these pages. We first featured the Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based collective in April 2025, sharing both Wild Wind and Different Life as singles. I could tell I was onto something when listening to those tracks, and the release of this debut EP proves it. The indie rock four-piece demand attention and I’m certainly they’ll be getting it. They’re putting Dutch rock on the map and have international appeal.
No doubt an album will be on its way soon and I look forward to hearing what they’ll be doing to expand their sound. In the meantime we can revel in the emotional goodness that is their self-titled EP.
KATHMANDU is out now and you can give it a listen below.
