If a psychedelic drug was a town in the United States of America, it would be San Luis Obispo. Its vibrant and charming downtown, quaint architecture, laid back lifestyle, and proximity to Pismo Beach allows for those passing through to take a minute and experience a trip through the small city. So, how fitting was it that I was able to see Khruangbin and Hermanos Gutierrez live at the Madonna Inn in SLO? To put it simply, it was a trip.
The picturesque countryside of San Luis Obispo greeted me as I walked up to the Madonna Inn Expo Center. Joined by people from all walks of life, I hiked alongside lush, green pastures and rustic charming country homes. The rolling hills and open skies welcomed a night of music characterized by hypnotic melodies that would echo through the night, weaving a tapestry of sound harmonizing with the rolling hills and open skies. As the sun set behind the venue’s hills, crowds awaited the trio of Laura Lee, Mark Speer, and Donald Johnson, better known by their artist moniker, Khruangbin. We were ready to experience their newest album, “A LA SALA,” released days prior.
Khruangbin enchants their audiences with an intoxicating blend of smooth rhythms and diverse influences. The Houston group draws inspiration from 60’s and 70’s Thai psychedelic funk/rock with traditional Texas country/folk music. The Expo Center was reminiscent of the group’s untreated barn in Burton, Texas, where they record most of their music. The sounds of horses galloping and bugs buzzing filled the atmosphere, setting precedent for an unforgettable evening.
Opening for Khruangbin was Ecuadorian-Swiss duo Hermanos Gutierrez. Cosigned and mentored by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys, they captivated audience members with Americana-style stripped down melodies and rhythms, inspired by traditional Salsa and Cumbia musics. I first discovered them through their magnificent Tiny Desk performance, and seeing them live was even more mesmerizing.
As Khruangbin took the stage, the crowd erupted with excitement as they eased into the opening track, “Fifteen Fifty-Three.” The mist from the fog machine mingled with vibrant stage lights created an otherworldly ambiance. Laura and Mark began their set perched on their backdrop, transporting the audience to their realm that was “A LA SALA”.
Throughout the night, their new album took center stage, offering a journey characterized by subtle airy synths, vocals, and a minimalist approach to their sound. It was reminiscent of a living room gathering, as Laura Lee once described, where everyone comes together to enjoy the woven pieces of unreleased recordings and melodic loops.
The crowd of all ages and walks of life swayed and danced to the grooves of Khruangbin’s music, immersed in a spiritual trance. Their infectious stage presence inspired everyone to surrender to the music’s endless groove, evoking a palpable sense of peace and unity.
As the night progressed, the band seamlessly transitioned from the somber and pensive tones of “A LA SALA” to their upbeat hits from past albums, igniting the crowd into a frenzy of dancing and celebration. Khruangbin allowed their performance to speak for itself, leaving the crowd cheering for more during their final bow.
As I walked back to the car, the post-concert comedown had hit me, leaving me with a feeling of gratitude (and depleted serotonin). Surrounded by the San Luis Obispo landscape and the sounds of nature, I reflected on Khruangbin’s music and performance. It was a reminder that, through music, we can come together and transcend the barriers that divide us, finding solace in our shared humanity.
Listen to “A LA SALA” by Khruangbin below:
