BOSTON, MA | Grammy-nominated genre-bending Houston trio Khruangbin played to an eager crowd outdoors at Suffolk Downs on a cool summer night in New England. Matching the band’s unique and uplifting energy, fans came ready to be transported by Khruangbin’s ever-sharpening live show, celebrating the band’s improvisational prowess.
Suffolk Downs is home to an outdoor venue located East of Boston that benefits from the warm summer sun and cool ocean breeze. The show started as the sun went down and evolved into the night with a moody and intricate lighting display. Khruangbin took to the stage and delivered their unique blend of Middle Eastern guitar melodies, ’90s hip hop drums, reggae/dub bass, psychedelic effects, and disco long into the night with a nineteen-song setlist.
Fans dressed up as members of the band with wigs and in globally inspired outfits. Families with little children donned with ear protection were lounging on blankets in the grass. Concert attendees were indulging in the many food trucks which offered a range of options from ice cream, hot chocolate, grilled cheese, and pizza. Khruangbin has graced nearly every major festival stage in the world, including Glastonbury, Primavera, Coachella, and Newport Folk, and it was evident they were a perfect fit for this venue’s festival vibes. As part of their A La Sala tour, Khruangbin delivered a setlist composed mostly of songs from their latest release, but also delivered their well-known hits.
Although they have been touring in Boston since 2017, it was the first time seeing this band for many of tonight’s attendees. This setlist catered to both the die-hard and those newly added to this dedicated fanbase, which is continuously increasing in size. This tour aptly celebrates the achievements of this record, one that set out to capture “a desire to get back to square one between the three of us, to where we came from—in sonics and in feeling. Let’s get back there,” said Laura Lee Ochoa, bassist.
Ochoa’s performance displayed a mastery of her craft as she balanced singing, dancing, connecting with the band, and sharing excitement with the crowd. She brings a recognizable sound in her playing, but also delivers a singularly unique presence on the stage that makes fans awe at a rockstar-type aura.
Drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson led the forefront of one of the main key elements to this band’s success—playing cohesively and tight. Seemingly unshaken by the bright lights and big stage, Johnson holds down a ’90s hip-hop-inspired beat that gives a distinguishable spin on the band’s sound.
Mark Speer’s impressive Middle Eastern and West African guitar playing remained flawless the entire night. Speer dons a large black wig, maintaining a level of anonymity and keeping the spotlight on the music. Regardless of those efforts, Speer’s playing demanded attention and pushed concertgoers to remain lost in the moment. Khruangbin is truly something larger than the sum of all their parts; however, their success and unique sound are entirely dependent on each musician’s distinct skills and characteristics.
The stage was the same as seen at concerts around the globe this past year, making it almost as recognizable as a fourth member of the band. Large marble-looking steps lead up to a platform that has three doors similar to the A La Sala album cover. Within each door is an LED screen that displays visualizers such as passing clouds, intense lightning storms, and people dancing. Atop this platform sits drummer Johnson, who maintains the best view of the venue. Ochoa and Speer take turns dancing together and by themselves on the steps and stage. Intricate lights illuminate the performance while bands of heavy smoke add mystery to the ambiance.
One can easily argue that Khruangbin’s music and performances connect differently with their fans than traditional bands can. This band is unique in that its success came from its ability to evoke a mood and unique style through its playing, not with a heavy reliance on vocals. This is different because fans are connecting directly to the band’s sound, not through a relatable lyric that describes their emotions or personal story. Khruangbin’s performance proved that music alone can connect people to their feelings and bring them together in celebration.
