Named after a friend of the band, Khruangbin‘s newest album, Mordechai, continues their string of excellent funk / jazz / dub / world music records.
They waste no time in getting to the funk on the first track, “First Class,” with Laura Lee‘s superb bass line backed by Donald Johnson‘s Chex Mix-crisp drums and Mark Speer‘s guitar that sounds like a chattery ghost. “That’s life. If we had more time, we could live together,” Lee sings on “Time (You and I)” – a groovy track that deals with impermanence – a subject many find frightening, but Khruangbin remind us is a beautiful thing. Lee’s vocals on it, and throughout Mordechai, are some of the clearest Khruangbin have ever released. It’s a nice change. I also must mention Johnson’s disco high-hat work throughout the track. It will make you turn your head and say, “Daaaamn!”
“Connaissais de Face” has Lee and a gentleman (Speer?) chatting about old friends and lovers while a happy, sexy jazz tune plays behind them. “Father Bird, Mother Bird” brings in Spanish flavor to Speer’s guitar, providing him with a great instrumental showcase for his talent and those pure tones that he makes sound effortless.
Lee’s vocals on “If There Is No Question” come at you like soft breezes across a veranda across from a New Delhi disco. “You’re wild, but you’re not crazy,” she repeats like a mantra. “Pelota” has Lee singing in Spanish and having a blast doing it and playing a sweet bass groove. “One to Remember” is another mostly instrumental track that is downright hypnotizing.
“Dearest Alfred” has some of Johnson’s snappiest drumming and Lee’s sexiest vocals. “So We Won’t Forget” has a groove that makes you want to dance down the street and not care who’s watching or what might be going on around you. The album ends with the snappy instrumental “Shida,” sending us out on a fun note.
Khruangbin are batting .1000 right now, and I don’t see them missing any pitches soon. If you need something to pick you up during self-isolation, this album’s for you. It’s for all of us.
Keep your mind open.
[Don’t forget to subscribe.]
[Thanks to Pitch Perfect PR.]
