Khruangbin

Performing their biggest headline shows in Australia and New Zealand to date, Houston, Texas psych-funk auteurs Khruangbin will bring their First Class Tour to Fremantle, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Auckland in November/December 2022.  

Last here in 2019, the acclaimed three-piece exist in their own orbit, their legendary live show – a mixtape of surf-rock cool, dubby disco and worldly funk – held down by the steady hand of drummer Donald Ray ‘DJ’ Johnson Jr, virtuosic guitarist Mark Speer, and enigmatic bassist Laura ‘Leezy’ Lee.  

Live on stage Khruangbin’s electric range is performed with impeccable style, their sound rooted in globetrotting. With three studio albums to date – debut The Universe Smiles Upon You, 2018’s Con Todo El Mundo, and 2020’s Mordechai – tracks such as ‘Dern Kala’ , ‘Maria También’ and ‘People Everywhere (Still Alive)’ have become live anthems for their many fans, no mean feat for a largely instrumental group. 2021’s Mordechai Remixes featured re-imaginings by Kadhja Bonet, Soul Clap, Quantic, Harvey Sutherland, and more. 

Sonic instrumental world-builders, Khruangbin’s sound is meticulously constructed and universally adored. Praised by The New York Times, Billboard, Los Angeles Times, FADER and more, they regularly sell-out multiple nights at iconic venues worldwide – from The Greek in Los Angeles to London’s O2 Academy Brixton – possessing a live show not to be missed, as attested by two recent reviews: 

‘Khruangbin treated the audience to a dazzling 20-minute encore, song after enthralling song. Nearly all audience members were either swaying or dancing the entire set. If you ever have a chance to see Khruangbin live, don’t miss it!’ – utahmagazine.com 

‘Drawing inspiration from Thai funk, Jamaican reggae, Asian pop, and American Funk and R&B, Khruangbin accomplishes a global sound that any music lover can appreciate’ – melodicmag.com 

Joining the bill to bring light, joy and power to the Melbourne and Auckland shows is LA tenor saxophonist and bandleader Kamasi Washington. Washington’s cinematic compositions and fearless performances have inspired a whole new audience, the dynamic Washington having worked with luminaries such as Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar, St Vincent, Kendrick Lamar, Florence + the Machine, and Herbie Hancock. His breakout albums The Epic and Harmony Of Difference are interstellar trips through a rich history of Black American music.  

Bringing their kaleidoscopic sound, Melbourne’s favourite groove cosmonauts Mildlife will join the bill as main support in Fremantle, Adelaide, and Brisbane, plus open proceedings at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. The Melbourne event is presented in partnership with ALWAYS LIVE, a new state-wide celebration of contemporary live music supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria.