Mordechai

Is there a better time for the return of the Texan instrumental trio KHRUANGBIN than now, in these turbulent times? Following their joint EP “Texas Sun” with Leon Bridges, Laura Lee Ochoa (bass), Mark Speer (guitar), and Donald ‘DJ’ Johnson (drums) are now releasing their new LP, “Mordechai.” KHRUANGBIN's sound has always reflected melodies from around the world: East Asian surf rock, Persian funk, and Jamaican dub harmonize side by side in this smooth psych rock mélange. On their third LP, “Mordechai,” however, the vocals of their mostly instrumental music come to the fore for the first time (fun fact: 14 languages can be heard on “Mordechai”). A surprising step for the trio, but one with immediate effect. The tracks on “Mordechai” are more emotional and direct as a result, but never lose the nomadic spirit that has characterized all KHRUANGBIN albums to date. Although the trio had experimented with spoken word interludes before, this time Lee felt a stronger urge to communicate with the world verbally. Lee's lyrics give KHRUANGBIN's psychedelic, warm music a new thematic depth. Sound-wise, KHRUANGBIN once again travel halfway across the continent on “Mordechai.” Indian chanting boxes can be found here alongside Congolese guitar syncopations. In its diversity, “Mordechai” also represents the band's home town. Houston, the city where KHRUANGBIN was founded, is a cultural hub where you can experience country and zydeco, trap rap, or avant-garde opera on any given night.

Tracklisting

Side A
1.1 FIRST CLASS
1.2 TIME (YOU AND I)
1.3 CONNAISSAIS DE FACE
1.4 FATHER BIRD, MOTHER BIRD
1.5 IF THERE IS NO QUESTION

Side B
1.6 PELOTA
1.7 ONE TO REMEMBER
1.8 DEAREST ALFRED
1.9 SO WE WON'T FORGET
1.10 SHIDA