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A Hazy Summer Night With Khruangbin at the Hollywood Bowl

Jacob Alvarez

Khruangbin performing at The Hollywood Bowl, LA by Timothy Norris courtesy of the LA Phil

NIGHT ONE OF TWO SOLD OUT SHOWS AT BOWL WITH UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHEsTRA

The merch line stretched at least ninety people deep as fans made their way into the historic Hollywood Bowl for night one of two sold out performances by Texas trio Khruangbin. Many were after the limited edition hand numbered tour posters made specifically for the two shows. Tour shirts were also available along with Dodger themed jerseys featuring the band’s name and date on the back.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra performing at The Hollywood Bowl, LA by Timothy Norris courtesy of the LA Phil

Ticket holders were also in for a treat with Unknown Mortal Orchestra opening the night. Approximately 80% of fans were already seated when UMO took the stage, playing almost 40 minutes with black and white footage being broadcasted throughout the venue. The lights consisted of reds and yellows, with the band performing hits like “Multi-Love” and “So Good at Being in Trouble.” Singer Ruban Nielson thanked the fans and Khruangbin for the support, shredding nearly every track to the band’s possible biggest crowd to date.

Khruangbin performing at The Hollywood Bowl, LA by Timothy Norris courtesy of the LA Phil

Khruangbin performing at The Hollywood Bowl, LA by Timothy Norris courtesy of the LA Phil

The sun set and a wall with three windows lit up, welcoming Khruangbin to the stage and fans to their performance. To begin, the trio played their latest album A LA SALA in its entirety, making up the first set of the night. Reds, yellows, and blues flickered throughout the stage with singer/bassist Laura Lee Ochoa and singer/guitarist Mark Speer strutting up and down a long white staircase. Screens used to broadcast the performance to fans all around the amphitheater did so with a distorted filter that made the audience dive further into the rabbit hole of the hazy, seemingly dream-like experience.

Khruangbin performing at The Hollywood Bowl, LA by Timothy Norris courtesy of the LA Phil

Khruangbin performing at The Hollywood Bowl, LA by Timothy Norris courtesy of the LA Phil

After finishing with “Les Petits Gris,” the band walked off stage while the windows shifted from colorful lights to thunder and lightning. The trio returned with a wardrobe change, concluding the storm happening outside the windows, and beginning the second set. This showcase featured tracks from the band’s entire catalogue, such as “Pelota” and “Zionsville,” before Khruangbin welcomed the Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles. Together, they performed renditions of three tracks: “August 10,” “Shida,” and “Time (You and I).” This ended the second set but that didn’t stop the band from performing a one song encore, “People Everywhere (Still Alive).” The cool summer night proved an excellent pair with Texas’ own Khruangbin filling the gaps with their heated grooves. Check out the set list here!