Khruangbin jams out at The Anthem washington dc
Opening for Khruangbin at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., Pakistani-American singer and composer Arooj Aftab effortlessly stole the spotlight before the main act. Making Aftab look cool is hardly a challenge. With her long, flowing black leather coat, dark shades, and razor-sharp wit, she had an undeniable presence that filled the venue. Her star power was immense, commanding attention as if she were headlining the show herself.
Between songs, Aftab’s humor had the audience laughing out loud. At one point, she playfully called out, “Open the mosh pit!” just before launching into one of her signature ethereal, chill tracks that mirrored the laid-back vibes of Khruangbin’s sound. Her music was the perfect setup for what was to come—a smooth and atmospheric blend of minimalist vocals and entrancing melodies. Aftab set the scene for Khruangbin beautifully, her serene, meditative music easing us into the cosmic journey that followed.
Khruangbin returned to Washington, D.C. for their second night in a row at The Anthem on September 24th, amidst a week of nonstop rain in the nation's capital. But on this rainy evening, stepping inside the venue felt like entering another dimension—a world shaped by Khruangbin’s ethereal discography, especially their latest album, A LA SALA. It was an escape, a teleportation to a universe all their own.
I’ve had the privilege of seeing Khruangbin live years ago, and even then, they were a force. But they’ve only gotten better. Their sound is tighter, richer, and more hypnotic than ever, a testament to the evolution of their craft. As the lights dimmed, the stage was set against the backdrop of a hacienda, with large, curious windows gazing out over the crowd. The anticipation was palpable, and despite your wet clothes from the commute, you could feel the warmth of excitement radiating through the room.
The band emerged, effortlessly cool, as always. Watching them live is like witnessing something otherworldly, just as guitarist Mark Speer once said, “When you see us play, it should look like we just fell onto this planet.” And that’s exactly what it felt like. Their music is transcendent, bypassing language and carrying you to places only sound can take you. Khruangbin, which translates to “airplane” in Thai, lives up to its name. The moment the music starts, you’re transported—lifted from your seat and taken on a sonic journey.
They delved deep into their latest record, but it was “May Ninth” that stood out to me as it was one of my most tracks songs of this year and sounded even better in person. The track’s reflective, calming tones washed over the room like the rain outside, blending nostalgia with something new and profound. And it’s not just the music—Khruangbin is a full experience. Their chemistry, their costumes, their stage presence—they all combine to create a spectacle that’s more than just a concert. Lee and Speer have this captivating way of interacting, almost like a dance, their movements deliberate and synchronized, yet completely natural. It’s a performance that goes beyond the music itself, drawing you into their world.
The first set ended with “Les Petits Gris,” and as the band walked off the stage, they left the sound of rain, thunder, and rushing waters lingering in the air. It was as if they were acknowledging the storm outside, weaving it into their show and leaving us all to soak in the magic. Its been years since I’ve seen the band perform, but it’s safe to say Khruangbin is still crushing it, and if anything, they’re only getting better—proving once again that they are more than just a band. They're an experience that lingers long after the last note fades.