KALLAI REIMAGINE WE ARE FOREVER ON THE HAUNTING REMIX COLLECTION FOREVER COULD NEVER BE

When Kallai released We Are Forever earlier this year, the band delivered a lush and emotionally resonant collection of dream pop, post-punk, and darkwave-infused songs that lingered long after the final note faded. Now, with Forever Could Never Be, Kallai revisits that material through the eyes and ears of an impressive lineup of remixers, collaborators, and friends.

Rather than treating the source material as untouchable, Forever Could Never Be encourages experimentation. Across the album's runtime, familiar songs are transformed into everything from shimmering electronic soundscapes and shoegaze epics to moody post-punk meditations. While each artist brings a distinct perspective, the heart of Kallai's songwriting remains intact, making this remix collection feel less like an afterthought and more like a natural extension of the world first introduced on We Are Forever. Let’s dig in:

“The Hymn/The Beautiful Ones – The Stargazer Lilies Remix” may have a lengthy title, but its six-plus-minute runtime is just as expansive. Rather than feeling overlong, the track unfolds like a dream, carrying listeners through waves of tranquility, tension, and shimmering atmosphere.

Built on lush textures and immersive soundscapes, the remix feels less like a traditional song and more like a journey. Moments of calm drift effortlessly into bursts of emotional intensity, creating a hypnotic ebb and flow that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish.

It's the kind of track that begs to be experienced with headphones on and distractions off. After a long day, when the noise of the world starts to feel overwhelming, “The Hymn/The Beautiful Ones – The Stargazer Lilies Remix” offers the perfect escape, inviting listeners to slow down, breathe deeply, and get lost in its beautifully crafted sonic universe.

“Amore Occidi Omnia - (Newphasesmusic Remix),” which translates to “I killed everything with love,” is equal parts hypnotic and intense. Blending shoegaze textures with dreamy, elongated vocals, the track feels both familiar and otherworldly. Imagine Ladytron disappearing into a cloud of reverb and late-night experimentation, the drug kind. The result might sound something like this, and we're definitely not complaining.

The third track on the album, “Protector (Sad Goth Girl Version),” is pure beauty. Soft, nearly whispered guitars set a delicate tone, while Cate of Kallai, performing under her Sad Goth Girl alias, adds just enough of her own personality to make the song feel fresh. Rather than reinventing the track, she enhances it, allowing its emotional core to shine through.

“Another World (Hexxes Remix)” is another downtempo gem that effortlessly channels the spirit of new wave and post-punk. Fans of The Cure and similar artists will find plenty to love here. Dark, moody, and drenched in melancholy, the track balances atmospheric textures with a strong sense of structure and purpose.

While it stretches beyond the typical song length, the runtime never feels excessive. Every moment serves the song, allowing the mood to fully develop and envelop the listener. Rather than dragging on, the track remains sharp, immersive, and completely justified by its slow-burning approach.

“Always/Never (Hey Playgirl Version)” is another beautifully reimagined track, draped in melancholy and restraint. Cate’s vocals arrive like a distant lullaby, soft and haunting, adding an extra layer of darkness to the song's emotional weight. The track delicately explores the push and pull between wanting everything and wanting nothing at all, capturing the complex duality between desire and detachment. It's subtle, reflective, and quietly devastating in all the right ways.

“Always/Never (Callière Remix)” takes the emotional core of the original and injects it with a newfound sense of momentum. Layered with shimmering synths, added drive, and a touch more urgency, this version feels less consumed by regret and more ready to move forward. Where the original lingered in reflection, Callière's remix pushes ahead with confidence.

The atmosphere is still moody, but it's the kind of mood best paired with a cigarette, a cup of coffee, and a gloomy afternoon spent staring out a rain-soaked window. And those chimes? Absolute perfection. They float through the mix at just the right moments, adding a subtle sparkle that ties the whole track together.

The seventh track on the album, “The Wave (Ten Million Lights Remix),” gets off to a puzzling start. The opening thirty seconds are mixed so quietly that it almost feels like something is wrong with the playback. While the volume eventually rises to a more listenable level, the transition feels awkward rather than intentional. Unfortunately, the unusual mix distracts from the song itself, making it difficult for the remix to fully connect or build the momentum needed to leave a lasting impression.

“Falling (Reclaimed Remix)” is an absolute gem and a much-needed shot of momentum. From the moment it begins, the track moves with purpose, pulling the listener deeper into its dark, atmospheric world. There are shades of French Police in its moody post-punk textures, but the sound remains distinctly its own. Clocking in at nearly six minutes, it's the kind of song that invites you to get completely lost inside it, rewarding repeat listens with every spin.

Track nine, “Falling (Tears Run Rings Remix),” proves that lightning can strike twice. While it retains the beauty of the previous version, this remix takes a more restrained approach, slowing things down and wrapping the song in a silky, dreamlike atmosphere. The result is a track that feels deeply emotional and immersive. It may not necessarily surpass the Reclaimed Remix, but it carries a greater sense of vulnerability, allowing the song's emotional weight to resonate even more strongly.

The album closes with two remixed versions of “As Night Falls,” each offering a unique take on the same source material. The first remix stays relatively true to Kallai's signature sound, preserving the song's dreamlike atmosphere while adding a fresh perspective. It's familiar, comforting, and a genuinely enjoyable listen.

The second, the Boredom & Romance Remix, takes a much bolder approach, transforming the track into a shimmering electronic showcase. Synths pulse through the mix, giving the song an entirely different energy while still retaining its emotional core. Hearing these two versions back-to-back is one of the album's highlights, illustrating just how flexible and compelling the songwriting is. It's the perfect way to close out the record, inviting listeners to lose themselves in the different directions a single song can take.

As remix albums go, this is exactly what you'd hope for. Rather than simply rehashing the material, each artist brings a unique perspective to the songs, expanding Kallai's sonic universe while preserving the emotional core that made the originals so compelling in the first place. Some remixes lean into post-punk and darkwave textures, others embrace dream pop, shoegaze, or electronic experimentation, but all of them feel thoughtfully crafted and purposeful.

Late in 2025, we praised We Are Forever for its lush atmosphere, heartfelt songwriting, and ability to transport listeners into Kallai's dreamlike world. This remix collection serves as a fitting companion piece, showcasing just how versatile those songs truly are. Whether you're a longtime fan of the original album or discovering these tracks for the first time, this release offers a fascinating new lens through which to experience one of the year's most captivating records.