Khruangbin Blows Austin City Limits Away with a Hypnotic Set
Khruangbin brought their signature blend of global grooves, funk, and psychedelic flair to the Austin City Limits Festival, delivering a set that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Known for their seamless blend of influences ranging from Thai funk to surf rock, the Houston-based trio transformed the festival grounds into a hypnotic dance floor, where fans of all ages swayed and grooved to the rhythm. It was a fun, vibrant performance that proved Khruangbin is a band that thrives on stage, crafting a sonic journey that takes listeners across continents and decades.
From the very first strum of Mark Speer's guitar, the crowd was hooked. The set kicked off with a sultry, slow groove that set the tone for the evening, immediately pulling fans into Khruangbin's world. Speer’s intricate guitar work, combined with the cool, steady basslines of Laura Lee and the tight, percussive beats from drummer Donald “DJ” Johnson, created a rich, layered soundscape that was both expansive and intimate. This trio knows how to play off each other’s energy, and it showed in every note.
The band played a mix of their beloved hits and newer tracks, offering fans a well-rounded experience that showcased their evolution over the years. Favorites like "Time (You and I)" and "Texas Sun" were met with ecstatic cheers, while newer tracks hinted at exciting new directions for the band’s sound. Khruangbin's music has a way of making time stand still; each song felt like its own world, inviting the audience to lose themselves in the groove. Their ability to create a vibe that’s simultaneously laid-back and electrifying is what makes their live performances so unique.
A key highlight of the night was the band’s seamless transitions between songs, often improvising and jamming as they moved from one track to the next. It was clear they were having fun, and that energy was contagious. At one point, they even slid into a medley of iconic covers, paying homage to a wide range of influences with their own distinctive twist. It was a playful, unexpected moment that had the crowd smiling and singing along, showing just how versatile Khruangbin can be.
Visually, the set was a feast for the senses. The band’s aesthetic is as much a part of their identity as their sound, and the colorful lights and psychedelic visuals that accompanied their performance only added to the experience. Warm, swirling patterns and trippy projections danced across the stage, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that matched the vibrant energy of the music. Each song was paired with visuals that enhanced the mood, from serene blues and greens during the slower tracks to bold, fiery hues when the tempo picked up. The lighting design was masterful, helping to turn each moment into a full sensory experience.
Khruangbin’s onstage presence was understated yet magnetic. Laura Lee, dressed in one of her iconic, stylish outfits, moved effortlessly across the stage, her basslines cool and steady, grounding the band’s sound. Mark Speer’s guitar solos were intricate and emotive, often taking center stage and sending the crowd into a trance. And DJ Johnson kept the groove tight, his drumming precise yet fluid, driving each song forward with a confident, relaxed rhythm. It’s this chemistry that makes Khruangbin so captivating to watch; each member brings something unique to the table, yet they operate as a cohesive whole, building and layering their sound in ways that feel effortless.
Throughout the set, the crowd was completely immersed, cheering and dancing without a care in the world. Fans could be seen swaying with their eyes closed, lost in the music, while others danced with friends, soaking in the festival atmosphere. Khruangbin’s ability to create a communal, almost meditative experience is part of what makes them such a powerful live act. By the time they played their final song, the audience was left wanting more, cheering and clapping long after the last note had faded.
For those lucky enough to catch Khruangbin at ACL, it was a performance that won’t soon be forgotten. The band delivered a masterclass in how to blend diverse influences into something that feels fresh, fun, and deeply soulful. With excellent visuals, infectious grooves, and a playful, inviting spirit, they showed why they are one of the most exciting acts on the festival circuit today.
As they continue to expand their sound and experiment with new ideas, there’s no doubt Khruangbin will be gracing many more stages in the future. Fans can’t wait to see where their musical journey takes them next, but for now, Austin City Limits was a perfect reminder of just how magical their live shows can be.
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Photos Courtesy of: Nathan Zucker