New York based funky punks Nonstop to Cairo have released their genre straddling album 'KAI' and it WILL be the soundtrack to your Summer!
As the sun comes out and we can all feel our moods lifting a little, we need some new tracks to get our ears around that can put a bounce in our step. And this is definitely what you get with the new album by Nonstop to Cairo.
Fusing numerous genres from punk to funk, rap to metal, their new release ‘KAI‘ reflects the band’s ear for melody and ability to make seemingly conflicting sounds mesh seamlessly together.
We’ve already had a taster of what the quartet can offer with their March single ‘Million Dollar Space‘, taken from the new album.
And just last week we got the video for the next release to be taken from ‘KAI‘- ‘Not Today‘ featuring Blaque Alex.
‘KAI‘s opening track- ‘Awkward Situations‘- starts with the ever-relatable line “I still feel awkward in social situations” sung above a punky riff which soon gives way to some ska sensibilities with a bit of rap thrown in as well. The vocals have the coarse, bellow-y quality of a metal/emo frontman and just in that first track the band demonstrate their dexterous musicianship.
‘T.I.A‘ scratches that ska punk itch with some brass that also brings some funk with it, but the fast-paced rap vocals give the whole song a bit more of an edge than it might have had otherwise.
‘Not Today‘ is the big power ballad of the album and definitely a standout track- more guitar driven but well crafted and with some really soulful vocals.
The other single- ‘Million Dollar Space‘- is catchy as hell and sits next to the album closer ‘Olive Branch‘ that ends the release on a smooth and rousing note, building tempo and intensity but never straying too far from solid pop sensibilities.
Nonstop To Cairo delivered their debut album ‘Dabble Heavy‘ in 2017, introducing the eclectic ensemble’s mix of ska, hip-hop, funk, punk, heart, and personality.
Their sophomore album is named as a tribute to the band’s trumpet player/keyboardist Kevin Anand Itwaru, whose initials make up the album title. Itwaru passed away tragically just before ‘KAI’ was recorded; and while the music was deepened by their grief, it’s also a celebration of life:
“Our sophomore album ‘KAI’ is a celebration of life, dedicated to our friend, brother, and former member Kevin Anand Itwaru who passed away in 2020. The project is a great portrayal of the vision we created with him, as our sound is ever-evolving. KAI is about the ups and downs of life, music, loss, and the connection needed to persevere”.
Nonstop To Cairo is comprised of August “ASH” Harris (vocals,) Nick Diamond (guitar/vocals,) Alex Turner (drums/vocals,) Ed Nevin (Bass guitar).
‘KAI‘ is out on May 5th via via collaboration with Rama Entertainment and Creative Entertainment Network/The Orchard.
You can explore your listening options HERE.
- Awkward Situations
- T.I.A
- Pope Funk
- Not Today
- Hand of Fate
- Million Dollar Space
- Olive Branch
Follow Nonstop to Cairo on Their Socials
Need more Punk In Your Life?
Live review: Flamin’ Groovies celebrate 50 years of ‘Shake Some Action’ with The Peawees & Music City, 229 London 19/9/26
Just over 50 years ago, a pivotal Punk moment occurred in London – on 4th July, at The Roundhouse, San Francisco-based Flamin’ Groovies headlined a
Shake Some Acton gig #174, London Hope & Anchor, 23rd Sept 2026
If you’re relatively new to Punktuation, and you’ve wondered why we seem to see this band Shake Some Acton every other week, it’s because it
‘Anarchy! McLaren Westwood Gang’ Boxset release celebrates Punk’s 50th year
Releasing on 25th September 2026, to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Punk Festival at the 100 Club, Cadiz Music is bringing out a
Live Review: The Rock N Roll Circus rolls into town!
Four days of musical mayhem at Sheffield’s 2026 Rock N Roll Circus saw the Don Valley lit up with magic across two stages! Phil Thorns
Live Review: LOVE NOISE FREEDOM festival, Downstairs at the Dome, London – 19/9/2026
German underground label Exile on Mainstream presented London with four of their finest DIY acts at the LOVE NOISE FREEDOM festival – a grassroots celebration!
Live review: Toxoplasma – Still Angry After All These Years – Pitcher, Düsseldorf 19/9/2026
More than four decades after forming, German punk veterans Toxoplasma proved that neither their music nor their message has lost any of its urgency at
I’m Molly Tie- I Love punk! I play drums (badly), write a lot about punk (not as badly) and I’m particularly interested in issues relating to women in the music scene.
Did you know that we are 100% DIY? We run our own game. No one dictates to us, and no one drives what we can or cannot put on our pages – and this is how we plan to continue!
