The trio of Laura Lee Ochoa (bass/vocals), Mark Speer (guitar/vocals) and DJ Johnson (drums/keyboards/vocals) has become a sensation in the past couple of years, garnering a big following with smooth tunes that blend jazz, world music, psychedelic rock, soul, funk and more for a unique sound that's completely its own. The band's name references that variety, with the members telling the Guardian that Khruangbin — the Thai word for "airplane" — "symbolizes the international set of influences that shaped our music.”
![khruangbin at red rocks](https://media2.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779619/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-2.jpg?cb=1724897575)
The bandmembers are close friends, which contributes to their tight-knit musical chemistry.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
"I had no idea how to pronounce their name until the first time I saw them live," said one fan at Red Rocks, who was sure to note that he had been following Khruangbin for years.
He wasn't alone in that; I overheard many other people asking neighbors how to pronounce the moniker while waiting for Khruangbin to take the stage after the opening act, Peter Cat Recording Co. That band, which hails from Delhi, India, will be back to play the Ogden Theatre on September 24, and it's worth seeing. Fronted by vocalist/guitarist Suryakant Sawhney, the group was the perfect complement for what was to come, with a jazzy and down-tempo set that also included high-energy doses of disco funk.
![](https://media1.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779625/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-10.jpg?cb=1724897958)
The band’s name, Khruangbin, means “airplane” in Thai. Bassist Laura Lee Ochoa was learning Thai when she named the band.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
The entire performance was magic. Everyone in the audience was completely captivated by the sharp and searing grooves — I didn't even look at the time until the band was more than halfway through its second set. The performers' enigmatic stage presence further pulled you in, with Ochoa wearing a crown of doves while swaying with her bass and synchronizing movements with Speer, whose guitar solos were nothing short of transcendental. Even while some improvisational moments could end with cliffhangers, the teases were almost as satisfying as the crescendos themselves.
The stage was set with a backdrop of three arched windows above a platform with multiple stairs leading down to the rest of the stage, and was flooded by meticulously chosen colors that perfectly reflected the sound — sherbets, rainbows, deep blues and lavender. Many people have asked what it's like to have synesthesia; going to a Khruangbin show would give you a good idea. The colorful lights that paired with the music were precisely what I experience when streaming the band's music.
![](https://media1.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779622/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-6.jpg?cb=1724897838)
Khruangbin’s sound is often described as a blend of soul, surf rock, psychedelic rock and funk.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
The second set included several covers from the band's multicultural influences, such as "Il Clan de Siciliani," "Ha Fang Kheng Kan," "Je t'aime...moi non plus/ La javanai," and "Fire Cracker." The set also offered some of Khruangbin's major hits; "Time (You and I)" had everyone boogieing, including all of the venue's security, before the band mellowed out with an encore of "A Calf Born in Winter," "White Gloves" and "People Everywhere (Still Alive)."
![](https://media2.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779623/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-8.jpg?cb=1724897575)
DJ Johnson is also a church organist, and both he and Mark Speer played in a gospel band before forming Khruangbin.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
If there was ever a band made for Red Rocks, it's Khruangbin.
See more photos of the show below:
![](https://media1.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779624/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-9.jpg?cb=1724897575)
The band was formed in Houston, Texas, and consists of Laura Lee on bass, Mark Speer on guitar, and Donald “DJ” Johnson on drums.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
![](https://media1.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21781931/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-30.jpg?cb=1724897577)
Mark Speer is a self-taught guitarist who mimicked other instruments and developed his unique playing style.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
![](https://media2.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779629/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-14.jpg?cb=1724897780)
A variety of global sounds, including Thai funk, Persian rock and Jamaican dub influence Khruangbin's music.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
![](https://media1.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779635/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-19.jpg?cb=1724898062)
Khruangbin's Laura Lee Ochoa (left) and Mark Speer (right) play back-to-back.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
![](https://media1.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779631/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-16.jpg?cb=1724898085)
Khruangbin released its debut album, The Universe Smiles Upon You, in 2015.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
![](https://media1.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779639/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-23.jpg?cb=1724897736)
Their name is often mispronounced, but the correct pronunciation is "Krong-bin".
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
![](https://media2.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779641/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-25.jpg?cb=1724897576)
Many of their recordings are done in a barn in Burton, Texas, which contributes to their distinct sound.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
![](https://media2.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779643/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-27.jpg?cb=1724898097)
Ochoa is known for wearing different wigs during performances, which has become a signature part of the band’s visual identity.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)
![](https://media2.westword.com/den/imager/u/blog/21779645/freecompress-8-27-24-khruangbin-photocredit-_bjohnsonxar2024-29.jpg?cb=1724898107)
Ochoa has a background in art history, which influences her stage outfits and the band’s visual aesthetics.
Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)