Peering up at Ascend Amphitheater’s stage, I was met with a ‘70s-inspired sunrise set awaiting the psychedelic rock trio Khruangbin on Sept. 30. A smoke machine created clouds around the three band members as they stood, gazing wistfully at their instruments. Their expressions of intensity and focus were captivating, building a bridge between the band’s passion for the music and the crowd’s concentrated ears.
As the show began, the trio set the scene with mellow, instrumental tracks from their latest album, “A La Sala,” entrancing the crowd with their instruments alone. As the stage’s sun rose through the windows of the set, the band transitioned into songs with lyrics, showcasing their vocal talent with performances of “May 9th” and “Pon Pón.”
Lost in the delicate flow of their set, guitarists and vocalists Mark Speer and Laura Lee locked eyes as they played through keyboard riffs and drum beats produced by DJ Johnson. Though their stares were intense, their movements intertwined seamlessly with the song’s cascading rhythm.
Each song faded seamlessly into the next as the setlist shifted toward more upbeat tunes. There was little to no audience interaction between songs — just musicians in their element.
After a brief intermission, Khruangbin transitioned into their second set, featuring songs from their earlier albums “The Universe Smiles Upon You,” “Con Todo el Mundo” and their claim to fame, “Mordecai.” As the music’s intensity swelled, so did the energy from the band members and audience. Lee did the twist to “Lady and Man” and the crowd jumped around to “Evan Finds the Third Room.” To end their set, the band rewarded the crowd with hits like “Maria También” and “Time (You and I).”
After attending many concerts at Ascend Amphitheater, it’s clear that Khraungbin draws in a crowd unlike any other artist. Through the psychedelic flow of their instruments and passion for their craft, they transport audiences into a sultry dreamscape — one I hope to never wake up from.
