Khruangbin: The Art of Underwhelming Live Music
Ah, the thrill of live music! The electric atmosphere, the crowd swaying in unison, and… what’s that? An uninterrupted rippling sound that seems less like music and more like the gentle hum of a refrigerator? Welcome to the fascinating world of Khruangbin, folks! Recently, the band graced the AFAS Live stage, and let me tell you, it was an occasion filled with all the excitement of watching paint dry, but with a bit more hipster flair.
Cigarettes After Sex: A Descent into Dullness
Now, before we dive into Khruangbin’s performance, let’s address the prelude by Cigarettes After Sex. Yes, they indeed arrived like a grand finale at a fireworks show and left the crowd feeling like they’d just finished a three-hour seminar on the legalities of fruitcake. The online chatter even referred to the reviews as a “chore” – which speaks volumes. I mean, ‘Cigarettes After Sex’ is about as lively as a sloth on a sedative, and that’s on a good day!
Enter Khruangbin: The Hushed Headliners
So, here comes Khruangbin. You know, the band that can apparently be played as the background soundtrack for your next dinner party. They arrive on stage with all the charisma of three librarians at a book festival. Dressed in aesthetics reminiscent of ‘70s throwback, they take us on a journey through their latest album, To the Room. Spoiler alert: a journey that feels like it’s stuck in traffic on the M25.
As soon as they strummed their instruments, the crowd erupted in what I can only describe as confused applause. You see, these guys had the audacity to plod along for a good hour before finally unveiling a bass line that could make even the most polite audiences want to shimmy. It was as if we were all waiting for a firework to go off, only to discover it was a damp squib. But hey, at least the confetti fluttering from the ceiling was a showstopper, even if it was more suitable for celebrating your cat’s birthday than a rock concert.
The ‘Exciting’ Visuals of a Slow-Motion Train Wreck
Visually, the whole thing was like watching your favorite sitcom rerun but with a twist: the punchlines just weren’t hitting. Drummer DJ Johnson resembled a prestige estate agent trying to sell a staircase in a fancy neighborhood, while Mark Speer and Laura Lee showcased their dynamic staircase-scaling choreography that could easily rival a synchronized swimming team – if they were doing it in a kiddie pool.
It was, quite frankly, an experience akin to watching paint dry. Only instead of capturing your complete attention, you’d catch yourself wondering if there was a sale on Khruangbin sweaters somewhere. Spoiler alert: they’re priced at eighty euros, because why not charge a premium for mediocrity?
Location, Location, Location
Now, like an enthusiastic real estate agent, I must say: “location matters!” You’d think playing at the AFAS Live would have its perks, but alas, the magic of venue selection was sorely missed. Imagine the band performing at the Hollywood Bowl, under a glorious sun! But instead, they were boxed into a black hole of sound, where the only thing that echoed was the overzealous chatting of hipster friends posting on their iPhones.
This Concert as an Interactive Experience?
The band eventually returned for an encore, like a cockroach scuttling back after the lights come on. And suddenly, maybe miraculously, the atmosphere shifted to something resembling a festival vibe. Hands were in the air, and the chatting crowds varied their Tweets with fervent dance moves. Yet amidst all this, the vocals were still about as clear as your uncle’s lumbago stories – catchy, but troublingly nonsensical.
So, was it all an anticlimax leading to a moment of joy? Well, it seems that Khruangbin may not be your average live band. They’re more like a throwback playlist that your mates can vibe to while you all sip on overpriced cocktails in the corner of a hipster bar. Not exactly the uplifting live experience most concert-goers yearn for, but hey, at least you have a DIY concert for your next gathering.
Final Thoughts
In summary, if you’re looking for a massive musical adventure, perhaps best to keep your expectations at ‘watching grass grow’. But if you fancy an evening of chill vibes paired with instant Instagram stories, Khruangbin might just be your ticket to a mildly ‘lit’ time. So do yourself a favor; save your pennies, grab that Khruangbin sweater, and stick to using their groovy tracks as a backdrop to your social media-worthy shindigs!
Seen: October 31, 2024, in AFAS Live, Amsterdam
Photo: Daniel de Borger
**Interview with Music Critic: Evaluating Khruangbin’s Live Performance**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today to discuss your recent experience at the Khruangbin concert at AFAS Live. You had some strong opinions about their show. What do you think defines their live performance style?
**Critic:** Thank you for having me. Khruangbin’s live performance can really be described as a unique blend of atmospheric and laid-back vibes. They have a sound that often feels more suitable for background music than for a live concert setting. This time, it felt like they were trying to keep everything quite understated, which, for some might be relaxing, but for others—like many in the crowd—it just came off as underwhelming.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the crowd’s reaction. How did they respond to the band’s performance?
**Critic:** The crowd was definitely confused. There were moments of polite applause mixed with a lot of puzzled looks. I think people were expecting something energizing and groovy, but the slow build-up left many feeling like they were waiting for something that never quite arrived. It’s hard to say if the audience was genuinely enjoying it or just trying to be supportive.
**Interviewer:** And what about the visual aspects of the performance? You had some humorous observations there.
**Critic:** Oh, absolutely! The trio’s stage presence was quite subdued. It was almost like watching three librarians who forgot they had a performance to give. Their choreography was minimalistic—like they were playing it safe, which might have worked in a more intimate setting, but in a venue like AFAS Live, the energy just fell flat. DJ Johnson’s movements, for example, just didn’t translate to excitement.
**Interviewer:** In your review, you made a comparison to the opening act, Cigarettes After Sex. What were your thoughts on their show in contrast to Khruangbin’s?
**Critic:** If I thought Khruangbin was underwhelming, Cigarettes After Sex was a true exercise in monotony! It felt like they were performing a soothing lullaby instead of a set for a live audience. The crowd also seemed to consider them a chore to sit through, which is never a good sign. The energy didn’t shift there either; both acts really struggled to ignite the venue.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the music felt like “watching paint dry.” Do you think there’s an audience that appreciates this kind of performance style?
**Critic:** Absolutely! I think there are certainly fans out there who enjoy Khruangbin’s chilled-out vibe, especially as a backdrop to social gatherings. However, for those expecting an engaging or high-energy show, it’s a completely different experience. Not everyone seeks out euphoric moments with live music—some prefer a more relaxed setting. But for a big venue like AFAS Live, you may want a balance of both, and they just didn’t deliver that.
**Interviewer:** Looking back at the performance, what do you think the band could do differently for their future shows?
**Critic:** They might need to rethink how they engage with audiences. Even if they want to maintain their signature laid-back sound, incorporating more dynamic moments or engaging in conversation with the crowd could create a better atmosphere. They have solid music, but translating that into a lively show is key if they want to resonate with audiences more broadly.
**Interviewer:** Great insights! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this concert experience.
**Critic:** Thank you! It was quite the evening, and I hope they reconsider their approach in the future.
