Khruangbin, Helado Negro

Texas Trust CU Theatre, Grand Prairie, Tx

Review and Gallery by: Chino Flor

Last April, Khruangbin released their fourth studio album, A La Sala. The musical sensations with their unique style and instrumental storytelling never fail to leave an intimate impression. Their latest album continues to grow their fanbase who have already lined up before the doors have been opened. The stage has been set at The Texas Trust CU Theatre in Grand Prairie, TX for the headlining trio who have been widely known to deliver spectacular live shows.

Helado Negro opens the night for us and delivers a classic performance. Entering the stage with his companions playing drums and guitar, Helado serenades the crowd with beautiful vocals paired with an upbeat rhythm you could not help but dance and sway to. A simple but successful set up that showcases his talent. With 9 studio albums released since 2009 that express Latin identity and heritage, Helado was fun to watch on stage as he sang and danced with passion. He won the crowd and set the mood for the headlining act well.

Khruangbin is Laura Lee Ochoa (bass guitar and vocals), Mark Speer (guitar and vocals), and Donald “DJ” Johnson (drums, keyboards, and vocals). The musical trio has created 5 studio albums with their unique musical blend of instrumental storytelling, indie, psychedelic, funk, and soul. “Khruangbin Vibes” is definitely real and is felt as they played through their setlist showcasing their newest album. It is quite the experience to listen to their sound while being captivated by their visual setup on stage, a brilliant array of color and hues that reflected the mood of their songs. The silhouette of the crowd moving to the beats were more than enough for me to know they were in as much of a happy daze as I was.

Khruangbin will be touring until September this year. Follow the tour HERE, buy a ticket, and catch a show.