Khruangbin at The Salt Shed
BY MARY ICENOGLENight two of Khruangbin at The Salt Shed brought thunder, lightning, and good energy all around. Leading the charge is John Caroll Kirby, opener during all three sold out shows in Chicago. As the producer-pianist takes the stage, it’s sprinkling (borderline full rain) and equipment is continuously getting wiped down. He embraces the rain with a mellow-but-still-high-energy performance lasting just over 30 minutes. One of the highlights of the set was Logan Hone’s refreshing and infectious saxophone and flute playing. His stage presence (and fantastic dance moves) elicited cheers and applause from the crowd.
As the rain turned to a dull drizzle, there was only a half hour for the crew to mop the stage and wipe down instruments before Khruangbin was set to begin their show. In perfect timing, the rain halted and a beautiful sunset emerged between clouds, mere minutes before the opening notes of Fifteen Fifty-Three would ring through the speakers. Guitarist/vocalist Mark Speer’s voice came over the speakers, like a booming voice from above, encouraging the crowd to introduce themselves, look out for, and be courteous to each other. Immediately concert-goers turn with smiles on their faces and a sense of community amongst music-lovers filled The Fairgrounds.
One of the most captivating moments of the show was during Les Petits Gris, the last song of their first set before a brief intermission and their final, second set. The lullaby-like song with gentle strums from guitarist Mark Speer, careful plucking by bassist Laura Lee, and a dulcet melody from keyboardist (and drummer) DJ Johnson was accompanied during the live performance by a manufactured thunderstorm. From the rainfall sound effects filtered through speakers to the rumbling thunder that vibrated through your chest, it felt more like a larger-than-life cinematic experience than a concert.
Khruangbin exited for a brief intermission as the storm on stage continued, peeking through the virtual windows on screen. We eagerly awaited their return to stage and took this as a moment to take everything in: the smell of rain still hanging in the air, the brisk breeze, the sunset from behind peering over the sides of the outdoor venue. They returned to stage with A Calf Born in Winter, a song with bell-like chimes enveloped by a goosebump-inducing sort of warmth. As a whole, Khruangbin’s Chicago stop of the A La Sala tour was nothing short of stunning performance art, with astonishing visuals and unique funk-rock instrumentals.
