Just this past Saturday, Los Angeles was treated to the first of two shows from the Texan trio, Khruangbin. The newest, cult favorite among indie-rockers who are touring in support of A LA SALA, their fifth studio album which is arguably their most cohesive effort to date. Their vocal tracks are few and far between but the lore of their instrumentals continues reach the masses. What it will take to get them to the the top of the pop charts remains to be seen. But for now, Khruangbin will continue to pack amphitheaters across the U.S.A. and entertain those of us who are dialed into their vibe.
The fabled, Hollywood Bowl was our amphitheater on Saturday and just like A LA SALA, Khruangbin opened the program modestly with “Fifteen Fifty-three” while leaning against the set on stage minus any spotlight whatsoever, besides dim lights shrouded on fog. “May Ninth” followed, and that point, it became apparent we were being treated to A LA SALA, beginning to end, in its entirety. The rather mellow, “Ada Jean” was something quite the opposite as DJ Johnson shattered the cymbals while Mark Speer tore into his guitar. All while hues of magenta and blue filled the inside of the bowl. Tracks four, five, and six gleefully hypnotized us before a raucous, live interpretation of “Juegos y Nubes” snapped us out of it. Five more tracks complete the album but the funk and disco of “Hold Me Up” and “A Love International” is what picked me up out of my seat. A LA SALA was now complete.
After a brief intermission and some heavy spending on merchandise, the show kicked off in unassuming fashion yet again as they all reappeared dressed in black. Possibly an artistic statement but from a spectator’s viewpoint, we were nearly watching silhouettes play incredible music that spanned a few different albums. To be exact, a seven song set that played without breaks in medley fashion. Including, two of their most charming tunes to date, “Pelota” and “So We Won’t Forget.” Most of the front-row, box vets were finally up and dancing.
Adding to the night’s magical aura, the L.A. Philharmonic’s youth orchestra joined Khruangbin for an additional three tunes. Including, none other than “August 10” on August 10th. It could’ve been a fitting end to the night but the fans wanted more and encore brought the trio back out for “People Everywhere.” Easily, the liveliest point of the night.
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