Khruangbin Red Rocks: A Sublime and Psychedelic Night Under the Colorado Stars

The legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO, played host to an unforgettable evening of music on August 27, as psychedelia, funk, soul, and pure, unadulterated vibes permeated the air. The night featured opening act Peter Cat Recording Co. and the headliners, the mesmerizing Khruangbin. As one awestruck fan aptly put it, marveling at Khruangbin’s live performance, “No one plays like this live.” The entire experience transcended the typical concert, reaching a state of sublime musical immersion. Let’s delve into the magic of this Red Rocks night.

Review by Anna McGeady

Peter Cat Recording Co.: A Soulful Start to a Magical Night

Entering the venue, the sounds of Peter Cat Recording Co. were an intriguing introduction. Frankly, their band name was a bit of a tongue-twister, leaving me unsure of what to expect. However, they delivered a captivating set, setting the stage with a soulful and almost crooning sound that perfectly complemented the emerging evening atmosphere. Hints of old-school, slow doo-wop blended seamlessly with a modern, fresh twist, creating a sound that was both familiar and uniquely their own.

Adding to the performance’s allure was the charismatic lead singer, Suryakant Sawhney. He moved with a captivating sway across the stage, his harem-style pants and the way he handled the mic wire evoking the smoky ambiance of a classic cabaret scene. A quirky detail that caught my eye and added to his unique stage presence? His Salomon hiking boots – a blend of style and practicality that mirrored the band’s music itself.

The Red Rocks crowd, a sea of earth tones blending into the natural amphitheater, was still settling in, buzzing with anticipation for Khruangbin. I found myself standing next to a friendly climber who had traveled all the way from San Diego specifically for this show. “He has a really nice voice,” the climber remarked about the opener, a concise and accurate summary of Sawhney’s vocal talent. Peter Cat Recording Co. provided the perfect warm-up, their soulful melodies creating a relaxed and receptive atmosphere for the main event.

Peter Cat Recording Co. lead singer Suryakant Sawhney performing live at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, wearing harem pants and Salomon hiking boots.

Peter Cat Recording Co. band members performing on stage at Red Rocks, bathed in warm stage lights.

Close-up shot of Peter Cat Recording Co. drummer during their Red Rocks performance.

Peter Cat Recording Co. guitarist playing under vibrant stage lighting at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Peter Cat Recording Co. in full swing on the Red Rocks stage, with a backdrop of the iconic red rocks.

Peter Cat Recording Co. keyboardist immersed in their performance at Red Rocks, with the audience visible in the background.

Peter Cat Recording Co. bassist contributing to their soulful sound at the Red Rocks concert.

Peter Cat Recording Co. performing under the natural amphitheater setting of Red Rocks at dusk.

Peter Cat Recording Co.'s Suryakant Sawhney engaging with the Red Rocks audience during their opening set.

Peter Cat Recording Co. illuminated by stage lights against the darkening Red Rocks sky.

Wide shot of Peter Cat Recording Co. performing on the expansive Red Rocks stage to a growing crowd.

Peter Cat Recording Co. singer in silhouette against the stage lights at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Khruangbin: An Ethereal Journey at Red Rocks

As the stage transitioned for Khruangbin, a palpable sense of anticipation filled the air. When Khruangbin began, the opening notes washed over the Red Rocks audience like a cleansing breath. It was the kind of breath that instantly dissolves stress, melts away tension, and grounds you firmly in the present moment. From the second the stage lights illuminated the trio, I was completely captivated. Khruangbin possesses a remarkable ability to create an intimate atmosphere, so immersive that the nearly 10,000-strong crowd seemed to fade away, leaving only the music. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a shared experience, a collective journey orchestrated by sound.

The stage production itself was a study in minimalism, yet utterly mesmerizing. Laura Lee’s and Mark Speer’s deliberate, almost choreographed movements around the stage were as much a part of the performance as the music itself. Laura’s headpiece, which I later realized was shaped like two doves in flight, added a touch of whimsical elegance, while Mark’s signature long bangs further enhanced the enigmatic and intriguing nature of their performance. During one particularly spellbinding moment, Laura and Mark moved in slow, synchronized steps across the altar-like stage stairs, their movements mirroring the intricate interplay of their instruments. Throughout the show, they shifted positions, moving towards and away from each other, engaging in a silent dialogue expressed through music and movement. The entire performance felt like an evolving piece of abstract performance art, a testament to Khruangbin’s unique approach to live music.

“She’s playing some sacred shit on that bass,” a captivated concert-goer behind me whispered. I couldn’t help but agree – it was spot on.

The stage design, featuring stairs leading up to three large, arched windows, served as a dynamic canvas for visuals throughout the performance. The most striking visual display was a simulated thunderstorm. Complete with dramatic lightning flashes and rain realistically pelting against the window panes, it created an unexpected and immersive sensory experience. At the peak of the storm simulation, all three band members briefly disappeared backstage, adding a touch of theatrical suspense. It was a moment that felt surreal, almost dreamlike, evoking that fleeting moment in a dream where reality blurs and the unexpected takes hold. However, the trio soon reappeared, seamlessly continuing their ethereal performance, demonstrating their mastery of atmosphere and pacing.

Khruangbin’s Red Rocks performance was truly unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed. Adding to the magical atmosphere was the exceptionally chill and friendly crowd. There was a palpable sense of camaraderie, as if everyone present was united under a cosmic spell woven by Khruangbin’s music. The experience underscored the profound impact of a less-is-more approach to art. Stripping away elaborate production and relying on the raw power of music itself allowed for a deeper connection with the audience. There was a shared sense of awe within the crowd, and I was overcome with gratitude – for the friendly strangers around me, for the transcendent music filling the amphitheater, and for the truly magical moments that live music, especially Khruangbin at Red Rocks, can create.

Khruangbin bassist Laura Lee performing at Red Rocks with dove headpiece and signature stage presence.

Khruangbin guitarist Mark Speer playing under the Red Rocks lights, his silhouette adding to the mystique.

Khruangbin drummer Donald Ray Johnson Jr. providing the rhythmic backbone to their Red Rocks performance.

Wide angle shot of Khruangbin performing on the Red Rocks stage, showcasing the minimalist yet impactful production.

Laura Lee of Khruangbin in close-up, deeply immersed in her bass playing at Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

Mark Speer of Khruangbin focused on his guitar work, bathed in stage light at the Red Rocks concert.

Khruangbin's stage setup at Red Rocks, featuring arched windows and minimalist design enhancing their performance.

Khruangbin performing under the vast Red Rocks sky as night descends, creating a magical atmosphere.

Khruangbin’s Laura Lee interacting with the Red Rocks audience, connecting through music and stage presence.

Khruangbin drummer in action, providing the groove for their psychedelic funk and soul sound at Red Rocks.

Audience perspective of Khruangbin on stage at Red Rocks, capturing the immersive concert experience.

Khruangbin's signature minimalist stage design at Red Rocks, focusing attention on the music and performance.

Khruangbin guitarist Mark Speer's silhouette against the stage lights, a defining visual of their Red Rocks show.

Khruangbin bassist Laura Lee’s dynamic stage presence at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, captivating the audience.

Khruangbin performing under the dramatic lighting of Red Rocks, enhancing their ethereal musical style.

Khruangbin's full band performance at Red Rocks, showcasing their unique blend of global musical influences.

Khruangbin's drummer in a powerful performance moment at their Red Rocks Amphitheatre concert.

Khruangbin guitarist Mark Speer in a moment of intense performance at Red Rocks.

Khruangbin's stage presence against the backdrop of Red Rocks, a perfect synergy of music and nature.

Khruangbin's Laura Lee connecting with the energy of the Red Rocks crowd during their captivating performance.

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