In this debut installment of our spinoff series, New Release: The Talk, we’re slowing things down to pull apart the layers of Kalvonix’s ambitious new project, Mr. Nostalgia. While we usually just grab a brew and chat, this time we’re breaking down the sound and visuals from the first note to the final frame. Sampling Nashville’s own Mill Creek Brewing, we dive into Shirt Tugger, a 6.2% ABV American Strong Pale Ale that provides the perfect backdrop for a trip down memory lane.

Kalvonix, long known in the scene as a rapper, surprises us by leaning heavily into a polished, 80s-inspired pop sound. We discuss the cinematic influences of Michael Jackson and Madonna, the technical work behind alien makeup and "shadow" demons, and how his personal life—specifically the support of his girlfriend—became the "angelic" voice of the album.