September 1, 2024
Just Breathe and Enjoy the Music
‘Khruangbin’ “A La Salt Lake”
Written by: Laney Hansen
September 1, 2024
Written by: Laney Hansen
August 24, “Khruangbin” made a stop in Salt Lake City for their “A La Sala” tour at Granary Live.
Tonight was a successful and completely sold out show. “Peter Cat Recording Co.” was in cooperation with Khruangbin’s “A La Sala” set and what a night it was. Though they may have sold more tickets than there was available space, a constant problem in the general admission ticketing process, it was a vibrant space to be a part of. I will definitely be coming back to Granary in the future.
“So move over darling” because I need to see Peter Cat Recording Co.
Peter Cat Recording Co. could not have been a better opening partner. They immediately brought the beat in and had us dancing all night long. The vocals of Suryakant Sawhney are heart-palpitating. He brings a modern take to the sultry sounds of crooning, stealing the hearts of the crowd one, by one. It’s safe to say: we were digging it.
As the show went on, the band was feeling the groove. Dancing across the stage, swaying left and right; it was exciting as the viewer. A space like this is always a good time when you know the band’s having a good time. Whatever concoction they exuded into the air, I craved more.
I was especially taken aback by the immediate wall of sound created by these musicians. The ethereal sounds they performed is why all bands need to include horns in their musical performances; it always makes it better.
The atmosphere by the music being created was other-worldly which was also in addition to the lighting design. Each story being told song to song was followed by fading lights depicting where the focus was. This design especially influenced the finale of Peter Cat Recording Co.‘s track “I’m Home.” Incredible. Showstopping. Imaginative. Creative. We’re all simply taken over by the construct of the band’s art; it was an unimaginable experience; a ‘had to be there’ moment.
While on this tour, the band has been promoting their latest album “BETA.” Many of these songs were a part of the set list– “Just Another Love Song” and “People Never Change.” The set also contained notable songs such as “Memory Box” and “Soulless Friends” from the 2019 album “Bismillah.” Everyone’s hands were immediately up in the air as soon as the beat dropped.
My brain chemistry has been rewired. I am proud to say I am a Peter Cat Recording Co. fanatic.
“Coulda been a doctor. Coulda been a lawyer.” But, I’m glad they chose music.
As opposed to popular belief, Khruangbin is not an airplane. But a band.
Khruangbin was the main event. The “it girl” of you will. The band put on a show that was totally unexpected in all the right ways.
Given the stage and set design alone, I knew this was going to be a good one from the very beginning. The band’s stylistic choices caught the viewers attention from the get; they’re not like the other girls, I’ll tell you that much. Watching Khruangbin play is like seeing a story unfold. Each piece: from the changing in projections and lighting, to the strong, instrumental-based set– each movement matched the moment.
The audience developed a connection with the band and the music right away. From the beginning to the end, it was a constant rush of adrenaline produced only by the waves of Khruangbin. The sultry riffs, ethereal vocals and distinct movements took us on a voyage and I was not going to jump off.
Khruangbin started getting even more abstract and experimental as the show went on. Time was of no importance here.
These choices led to some quirky stage presence from the band members involving yoga poses, copycat motives, lunges across the stage; the list goes on. It was an honor to view this style of performance. I would gladly go back in time and experience it again and again.
The bassline is where the appeal is. It hypnotizes the viewer and keeps us wanting more, more, more. I am convinced these musicians have magical powers.
Both bands tonight produced bangers from a range of styles; disco, jazz, soul, shoegaze, you name it. They got it. It all comes from one place: the heart.
Listen to both bands now and check them out on all socials!
Khruangbin
Peter Cat Recording Co.