Words by Emily McConochie // Photos by Port Of Call Studios

Texan worldly psych trio Khruangbin hypnotised Australian audiences with a string of sold-out shows.

After selling out their debut tour, tension arose for those stragglers who weren’t quick enough to purchase tickets aboard the Khruangbin express. Luckily for the Melbournians and Sydneysiders, second shows were announced alongside a high demand venue upgrade for Brisbane fans.

I attended the Metro Theatre gig and as you can guess, the vibe was as high as the crowd. Khruangbin has in the past paid homage to 60’s Thai funk, West African guitar riffage, R&B soul and wavy Psychedelia so, just like everyone else I was ready to be lifted somewhere otherworldly.

Bassist Laura Lee and drummer Donald ‘DJ’ Johnson’s undeniable grasp over the rhythm and guitarist Mark Speer’s transcendent melodies were nothing short of spectacular, showcasing why their first and second albums basically sold themselves.

There was something cool-headed and collected about the trio, a natural state that seemed undisturbed from their studio recordings to live performance. Smoked plumed and ambient strobes coloured the room as the blunt fringed guitarists took turns at center stage, dancing together in simple dips and sways.

For about an hour I had forgotten I was experiencing an almost entirely instrumental band, Speer’s melodies were entrancingly clean and filled with a dexterity unattainable to most. Looking around the crowd was swooning, unable to decide whether to follow Speer or Lee around the stage.

The trio moved through an enclave of instrumental covers from Biggie to Chris Isaac in a sentimental homage to even more of their musical inspirations. If you didn’t get tickets, I’m sorry you missed out, just make sure you’re on the lookout for the next time Khruangbin’s psychedelic rhythm plane touches Down Under.