Khruangbin

It’s rare for a band’s name to describe its wares as well as that of Khruangbin. The trio from Texas makes exotic-sounding music that provides the perfect soundtrack to the souks of Marrakesh, the beaches of Hawaii and nights in Bangkok. Legend has it that the trio found each other through a shared love of Afghan music and Middle Eastern architecture. Khruangbin is the Thai word for aeroplane. Though something of a mouthful, it did not prevent their second album ‘Con Todo El Mundo’ from becoming one of 2018’s musical treats. It’s no more a hindrance that their music is predominantly instrumental and that guitarist Mark Speer and bassist Laura Lee conceal their identities under black wigs. ‘Texas Sun’, featuring the soulful voice of Leon Bridges, was their first acquaintance with the charts in 2020.