When Khruangbin took the stage at the Arizona Financial Theatre on May 20th, the nearly sold-out show was immediately enveloped in the band’s signature atmospheric funk. Laura Lee Ochoa, Mark Speer, and DJ Johnson entered and launched into a generous selection from their new album, A LA SALA, with tracks like “May Ninth” and the hypnotic “Pon Pón” setting a calm, mesmerizing tone. Their largely instrumental show was a captivating journey, with highlights like “A Love International” showcasing the intricate, worldly sound that has earned them a legion of dedicated fans. The energy continued to build until the main set climaxed with the dance-floor-commanding groove of “Time (You and I),” leaving the audience buzzing.
The stage was perfectly set by the opener, John Carroll Kirby, who offered a different kind of show. Instead of body-moving funk, Kirby’s set was a deep dive into ethereal, free-form jazz—a complex tapestry of sound from meandering keyboard improvisations. The ambient journey was built and breathed, creating a meditative space that rewarded those willing to follow his abstract explorations with a true masterclass in mood.
Putting John Carroll Kirby‘s abstract jazz with Khruangbin’s worldly funk was a great idea, creating a remarkably seamless transition. Kirby’s ambient explorations were the perfect way to start the show, clearing the audience’s minds and setting a sophisticated, thoughtful mood. This made the trio’s infectious rhythms feel like an even bigger release when they took hold, and the energy crescendoed during the set’s second half with the undeniable power of songs like “María también” and “Evan Finds the Third Room.” The soulful “White Gloves” was a beautiful, tender moment during the encore, which concluded with a joyous, all-in rendition of “People Everywhere (Still Alive)” that had the entire theatre swaying in unison.
Khruangbin is on tour right now. Check their website and social media to find out when they’ll be in a city near you with their one-of-a-kind sound.
