Khruangbin is a mostly instrumental Texan trio: bassist Laura Lee, guitarist Mark Speer, and drummer Donald Johnson. Their band name means “engine fly” or “aeroplane” in Thai - an apt signifier of the international influences that make their music distinctive and innovative.
Speer and Johnson initially played gospel music, they began drawing upon the '60s and '70s Thai funk influences that became the hallmark of their sound after incorporating Lee. The Guardian's Paul Lester helps specify the relevant sonic characteristics of their main influence: "funky bass, twangy or fuzzy wah-wah guitar, horn blasts and tonal melodies that come from traditional (Asian) folk".
The release of their debut album The Universe Smiles Upon You (2015) - which was recorded in a secluded barn in the small town of Barton, Texas- presented a refreshing amalgamation of Thai funk with soul, surf, pysch, R&B and jazz. The album art signals a universal, timeless mysticism - and the tracks live up to this promise.
"Two Fish And An Elephant", the second track on the album - which has recently been accompanied with a symbolism-ridden crowdfunded music video - is a great introduction to Khruangbin's unique, spacious and dreamy sound. The melody created by Speer's guitars is airy and ethereal - ascending with the falsetto 'ahs' - and anchored by Johnson's crisp drumming. There's an uplifting sense of space and serenity - which seems to be underscored by a heavy, poignant and hard-won relief.
