The Universe Smiles Upon You

Artist: Khruangbin

Released: November 2015

Length: 39m 44s

My review:

This is the debut album from three piece, Houston based band, Khruangbin. They take their name (which literally translates to 'airplane') and the foundation on which they build their instantly recognisable sound, from Thailand. Although the roots of their music stem from 70's Thai-Funk, the overall groove fuses elements of Folk, Dub, Rock and Psychedelic, and is always heavily drenched with Soul.

The quiet 30 second intro transitions you gently into being and suddenly everything seems a little warmer and brighter, Mr. White is the first track on the album and wonderfully introduces the tranquil and archetypal sound of Khruangbin. The laid-back groove continues into Two Fish and an Elephant with the classic twangy guitar sound with a little reverb and the addition of some dreamy backing vocals. Dern Kala and Little Joe & Mary maintain the serene ambience, while White Gloves is the first track to include proper vocals. Flip the record and you will find People Everywhere (Still Alive) my favourite of the bunch, followed by The Man Who Took My Sunglasses, the only track not credited as written by Laura and Mark. Next up is August Twelve another highlight of the album for me, building up to a crescendo with distorted guitars and heavier drums before cutting out around the midpoint and reverting back to the peaceful flow heard at the start of the song. Balls and Pins is the only other song to include lyrics and Zionsville rounds off the album beautifully with the soft and breezy style you will now be so familiar with, finishing things with a slow fade out that harmoniously mirrors the opening.

One of the things I love about this record is how their quintessential sound runs deep through the album tying all the tunes together, but at the same time each song feels self-standing and manages to tell its own story. I think this is partly down to the two guitarists, Mark who uses his one single guitar and trusted combo of effects pedals, and Laura who plays primarily on one bass while performing live, having a back up option that is predominantly used while in the studio. Unlike many guitarists who prefer to have a plethora of different options available that can all make very different sounds, these purists have whittled down their choices and in doing so singled out a unique resonance that creates the incredibly strong sense of cohesion felt through the album. We also can't forget to mention Donald, whose impeccable drumming keeps everyone in time and because of its uncluttered and essential approach, often gets overlooked.

As a live band they are incredible, I can definitely recommend going to see them perform, I have seen them multiple times and they never disappoint. They almost sound even sharper than they do on their records, which is no mean feat, hats off to them and their sound engineers.

The honest and simplistic style of having only three members with their instruments has been done plenty of times before, but with incredibly talented musicians, fantastic sound production and a distinct 70's Thai-Funk ambience that encompasses all of their music, this band manages to break free from the restraints of becoming just another average band, destined for background music.

Stand out song: People Everywhere (Still Alive) 

Again this is the first song of the second side, maybe there is a pattern emerging, but I definitely feel there is something poignant about flipping the record, you are at the midway point and still have the second half to look forward to. Every time I hear this song coming in I get a content, warm feeling rush over me, People Everywhere (Still Alive) is a little more upbeat than the rest of the album both in spirit but also in BPM. With a simple bass line that keeps you chugging along while the guitar melody leads you of to wander through your imagination. With only two real words as lyrics that just repeat towards the end of the song 'still alive' is as much a mantra as it is a reminder to enjoy the little time we have on this small spinning rock. An incredibly infectious tune that always manages to bring a smile to my face, my only criticism would be that it is too short.

When to listen: 

Anytime is a good time for this record, I often use this album as a starter for when I play music in a new environment (happens a lot while I am travelling) and it always gets a great response. In my experience people all over the globe, and of all ages (even my Grandma approved, which wasn't common for a lot of my music choices!), agree that it is almost impossible to find anything to dislike about this album, and indeed about any of their other later releases.

Spotify: Listen here

Vinyl:

My copy is the reissued repressing from Feb 2016, it is quiet but sounds fantastic, also I am ashamed to admit I have only just found out about the hidden track after the locked groove! This is definitely a regular on my turntable and hopefully it will soon become one of yours too (if not already), the link to the pressing I own is here - Discogs link

Other useful links:

There is an extensive catalogue of aesthetic apparel ranging from Tee's and leggings to gorgeous prints of previous tour posters all available at their website here - https://www.khruangbin.com/

Also I mentioned how good these guys are live, here is a a recording of them playing accompanied by Drippy Eye Projections for Pitchfork Live over 5 years ago. If this doesn't convince you to get tickets to their next show then there is a strong chance you need to seek some medical advice - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4xKvHANqjk&ab_channel=Pitchfork

If you like this try these:

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Maribou State - Portraits

What Kinda Music - Tom Misch & Yussef Dayes