Khruangbin: Global Grooves & Live Sound
Khruangbin crafts a global instrumental sound in a Texas barn, blending 60s Thai funk, Iranian soul, and dub before evolving from "Dern Kala" to vocal collaborations like "Texas Sun" with Leon Bridges.
Tracklist
- Maria También — Khruangbin
- Evan Finds the Third Room — Khruangbin
- Dern Kala — Khruangbin
- East of the River Nile — Augustus Pablo
- Texas Sun — Khruangbin & Leon Bridges
- Time (You and I) — Khruangbin
- Lady and Man — Khruangbin
- C.R.E.A.M. — El Michels Affair
Transcript
Welcome to OffStereo. Hope your afternoon's going well. Let's dig in.
Maria También — Khruangbin
Khruangbin's distinctive blend of global instrumental influences comes vividly to life in their live performances. On April 26, 2018, the band delivered a smoldering rendition of “Maria También” live at KEXP, a track that pays direct tribute to 70s Iranian funk and soul.
Evan Finds the Third Room — Khruangbin
The unique Khruangbin sound often begins as a 'relay race' in their rural Texas barn studio. Drummer Donald Johnson lays down a groove, bassist Laura Lee adds her melodic lines, and then Mark Speer layers his distinctive guitar, as heard on 'Evan Finds the Third Room'.
Dern Kala — Khruangbin
Before the global tours, Khruangbin honed their distinct sound in a barn in Burton, Texas. Their 2015 debut, 'The Universe Smiles Upon You,' was deeply steeped in 1960s Thai funk, giving us instrumental gems like 'Dern Kala,' showcasing their early roots.
East of the River Nile — Augustus Pablo
Khruangbin's expansive sound often features the spaciousness and deep bass of dub reggae. Augustus Pablo, a seminal figure in instrumental dub, profoundly shaped this sound, creating a blueprint for the kind of hypnotic grooves Khruangbin explores, like 'East of the River Nile'.
Texas Sun — Khruangbin & Leon Bridges
A significant evolution for Khruangbin arrived with their collaborations, marking a step away from purely instrumental work. The 'Texas Sun' EP in 2020, featuring Leon Bridges, was their first extensive project with a vocalist, leading Bridges to say, 'I'm honored to have been the first singer that they've incorporated in their music,' creating a new world together.
Time (You and I) — Khruangbin
Following their collaborations, Khruangbin further embraced vocals on their 2020 album 'Mordechai.' Here, Laura Lee's voice became a more prominent feature, moving the band beyond their instrumental beginnings and into a new lyrical development, as heard on 'Time (You and I).''
Lady and Man — Khruangbin
Khruangbin's captivating live presence brings their global influences to life. This track, 'Lady and Man,' was performed alongside 'Maria También' during their April 26, 2018, KEXP session, showcasing the band's signature instrumental groove and psychedelic funk.
C.R.E.A.M. — El Michels Affair
For listeners drawn to Khruangbin's unique blend of instrumental soul and funk, artists like El Michels Affair offer a compelling listen. Their cinematic approach to grooves, as heard on 'C.R.E.A.M.,' shares a similar vintage, soulful aesthetic, expanding the global soundscape.
Thank you for joining me on OffStereo. May the unique energy of live music and the polished artistry of the studio continue to resonate within you.