Khruangbin’s A La Sala (To the Room) Album Review

Khruangbin (pronounced K’roon-bing) translates to “engine fly” or “airplane” in Thai, and this Texas trio’s instrumental music captures this sense of movement with precision and fluidity. From 1960’s Thai funk, dub, soul jazz and more – its diverse blend of groove flavors soars.

Laura Lee Ochoa and guitarists Mark Speer and Donald “DJ” Johnson join forces on A La Sala (To the Room), their latest release from 2020 titled Mordechai that saw them tour internationally and gain worldwide renown. It offers an intimate yet poignant contemplation on looking back while looking ahead.

Khruangbin had spent many years as a studio band, so A La Sala presents them with the chance to rethink how they make music together, thus reigniting their creative energies and producing an album which builds upon its predecessor’s mystical, forest sound while adding new dimensions and insights into their sound’s inner workings.

The pieces that comprised this album came from across the trio’s creative past; first recorded as spontaneous voice memos during soundchecks and lengthy journeys as well as random observations during random epiphanies. Once in the studio, they began fitting these ideas together like puzzle pieces using an innovative strategy that saw them massage ideas into rhythms, musical interactions and songs before refining those results into new compositions.

By recording in a rustic barn setting, they were able to craft a record that is as laid back and relaxed as the music that inspired it, with Leon Bridges providing a vocal backdrop that enhanced their lilting melodies and soothing harmonies – creating an album which captures Texas’ expansive landscape in all of its beauty.

Before embarking on a tour across Texas, drummer DJ Johnson and guitar player Mark Speer spoke with Texas Monthly about how their latest album came together, what influences the band brings from outside their area and why recording at their ranch was crucial for them.

They were inspired by both travels and music they listened to while growing up in Texas, including gospel, zydeco and underground Texas rap which they weren’t allowed to listen to as children. The band wanted to capture that feel when driving across Texas in their album – which does exactly that!

A La Sala was not just recorded during barn sessions; the group also captured it live at various locations around Australia’s The Corner for their fifth and final concert release of 2023, where it sold-out. Filmed for this collection of music with guest appearances from UK saxist Nubya Garcia to soul singer Toro y Moi, A La Sala demonstrated Khruangbin’s ability to mix cultures while delighting audiences through dancing without concern for worldly glamor but instead emphasizing communal groove.

Khruangbin stands out as an exception by gracefully reaching critical mass and cultivating an enthusiastic fan base, thanks to their unique combination of styles that has garnered them admirers both domestically and abroad.