Khruangbin

Formed: 2010
Location: Houston, Texas
Genre: Psychedelic Funk, Psychedelic Soul
Years Active: 2010 -
Meaning of the Name: Translates from Thai as "airplane". Is representative of the band's global sound.
Core Members: Mark Speer, Laura Lee, Donald Johnson
Way of Working: Collaborative
Associated: Leon Bridges, Vieux Farka Touré

Essential Releases

The Universe Smiles
Upon You (2015)

Debut. Psychedelic funk and soul blended with 1960s Thai rock.

Con todo el
mundo (2018)

Incorporates Spanish and Middle Eastern influences. More diverse.

Mordechai (2020)

Sees the introduction of vocals. More soulful.

It's easy to dismiss Khruangbin as background music. Something you might put on at a dinner party to fill the room and maybe start a conversation. I can see why: It's easy on the ear and largely instrumental. Yet the songs are lovingly constructed with a keen eye for detail that's worthy of sustained attention.

Drawing inspiration from around the globe, the band's influences include: The melodies and scales of Thai rock (see 'People Everywhere'); the unusual "phaser" guitar of Iranian funk (see 'Maria También'); and the distinctive rhythms of Peruvian folk (see 'Pelota'). Though their musical wanderlust is more than academic, it's a direct result of their upbringing, in a Texan city known as Houston.

All three members were raised there, and the environment played a crucial role in shaping their exploratory love of sound. As a melting pot of multiculturalism, the city has no single majority race, so people of all colours interact, share food, and learn from each other on a daily basis. Inevitably, music was part of this cultural exchange. However, the band are also true-blooded residents of the lone star state.

They record in a rural, disused barn in Burton, a tiny village with a population of only 298, to take a break from the suffocating metropolis and embrace the spirit of freedom associated with travel. This translates into their music, which is purposefully airy, giving it a "big sky" feel, full of space in the high end. In addition, the drummer's repetitive breakbeats are meditative, providing a steady pulse.

It's a way of working perfectly suited to a three-piece, who would find it difficult to fill every frequency. Indeed, their songs are heavy on the low's, featuring a prominent bass, while the mids and highs are open and expansive.

Though they've never cracked the mainstream, the band have amassed a cult following who appreciate their dedication to mood, nontraditional song structures, and breadth of influences. Still, Khruangbin's true strength lies in their ability to weave together these disparate elements into a rich tapestry of sound, while never forgetting Texas is their beating heart.

Skills

*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.

Emotional Impact

i Does it connect with the heart? What does it make you feel and how much of it?

60

Mental Impact

i Does it connect with the head? Social issues, interesting observations, clever lyrics, similies etc.

60

Originality

i Are they unique? Did they break new ground, use new techniques or create new genres.

85

Artistry

i Using creativity and imagination to present themselves in a unique way. Example, Wu-Tang Clan as Shaolin and Marvel characters etc.

70

Authenticity

i Do they really mean what they say? Is it autobiographical, personal?

35

Live

i Stage presence, working the crowd, performance. Miming, forgetting lyrics reduce this.

90

Production

i Studio techniques. More important for electronic music including hip hop.

75

Musicianship

i Their ability to play individually and as a group. Technical skills. DJing. Freestyling for hip hop.

90

Singing

i Technical attributes.

40

Songwriting

i Storytelling. Cohesive themes. Is the song about something? Stan by Eminem is an example of excellent songwriting.

60

Danceability

i Does it make you move? Do you tap your foot, nod your head or move your whole body?

65

Fun

i Is listening to it a good time? Are the lyrics funny? Depressing themes lowers value.

65

Consistency

i Have they put out good music across their careers. Two good albums and 5 band ones will reduce this value.

90

Range

i Fast, slow, ballads, party jams. Do they go beyond their own genre?

95

Cool

i Laid-back, icy detachment, unflustered.

80

Charisma

i Factors include appearance, force of personality. Elvis making people faint etc.

35

Commercial & Critical Success

Awards

Certifications

Charts >>>

• Mordechai: #4 in Australia; #5 in Holland; #7 in UK

Critics

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