Khruangbin throws dance party at Palace Theatre in St. Paul

Khruangbin has come a long way since I first saw them live in 2018 at the Turf Club in St. Paul. Gone are the days of playing small clubs as the psychedelic trio from Houston, TX has gained massive appeal in a relatively short time. I caught the second show of their two-night run at the Palace Theatre in St. Paul and the nearly sold-out crowd had the venue buzzing on a Friday night.

On tour to support their 2020 release Mordechai, Khruangin put on one of the most entertaining shows I have seen in a few years. Guitarist Mark Speer and bassist Laura Lee stood atop massive rocket pads while drummer Donald Johnson Jr. laid down the beats from far back-center with ease looking like the ultimate cool cat. The show lasted nearly two hours and started slowly but by the middle the crowd went from head-bobbing to full on dancing.

Some big highlights of the show were “Evan Finds the Third Room” from the band’s amazing 2018 album Con Todo El Mundo. That song was extended out into a jam of sorts and had the entire crowd grooving. Soon after the band moved through a medley of several cover verses including David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” and Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin’ but a G Thang”. Khruangbin played “María También” from Con Todo El Mundo to end the set in a more rocking fashion.

Laura Lee changed into the sparkled sequin dress during encore break and the band returned to the stage to end the show in pure bliss. “First Class” and “Time (You and I)” from Mordechai had the disco balls above the stage casting light in all directions and the songs were absolutely awesome. The night ended with everyone in the crowd dancing to the funky grooves of “People Everywhere (Still Alive)”.

What an incredible show by Khruangbin at Palace Theatre in St. Paul! There is good reason the band is blowing up in popularity, and I highly recommend seeing them live when you get a chance.