Obsession Of The Moment: The Sweet, Smoky Funk Of Khruangbin

Hailing from Texas by way of London with an abiding love for a secret stash of Thai funk that itself has some Motown postmarks, Khruangbin could just be the Jane’s Mixed Up Krazy Salt of (mostly) instrumental bands. But oh gosh, that fusion flavor delivers. On their debut LP, The Universe Smiles Upon You, there’s a heady vibe conjured that is roughly the midpoint between surf guitar and old Blaxploitation soundtracks. But here’s the thing: It’s not kitschy — Khruangbin have some kinda heart lurking in the old hunks of bone in that soul stew. These grooves are most definitely not vegan.

 Khruangbin plays Johnny Brenda’s tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 7. Tickets here.