Chicano Batman with Khruangbin, Turner Hall Ballroom, 9/29/17

Turner Hall Ballroom's floor was bouncing last Friday night as Los Angeles's Chicano Batman and Houston's Khruangbin invaded Brew City for a night of funk, soul and jams.

photo courtesy of Pabst/Riverside Theater Group

photo courtesy of Pabst/Riverside Theater Group

Khruangbin was one of the most engaging support acts I've had the pleasure of seeing this year.  Their band name means "airplane" in Thai, and the group consisting of virtuoso guitarist Mark Speer, bass player Laura Lee, and drummer D.J. engaged the Turner Hall crowd with an innovative set of jammy tunes inspired by 70's Thai funk music (a genre not often explored).  Lee, in particular served as a band leader laying down layers upon layers of thick and heavy bass lines, connecting with D.J.'s drum licks and allowing Speer the freedom to dance the guitar parts over the grooves to create stunningly unique music.  

If I can describe Khruangbin in one word it would be groovy.  Khruangbin played newer material alongside well-traveled cuts from their 2015 record The Universe Travels Upon You.  With a trippy back drop and light show complimenting Khruanbin's set, it was easy to see how this act has developed a reputation amongst the jam band and funk communities as one not to miss.  Speer's guitar licks both had a throw back and progressive quality simultaneously which, in many ways epitomized Khruangbin as a band that looks in the review mirror on occasion while driving its modern and slinky funk sound forward.  Highlights of the set included "People Everywhere (Still Alive)" and "The Man Who Took My Sunglasses," both of which were tracks off of The Universe Travels Upon You. 

photo courtesy of Pabst/Riverside Theater Group

Next up, Chicano Batman took the stage to a warm reception from the audience, making their second Milwaukee appearance in the past three months.  The Los Angeles quartet, joined by two captivating instrumentalists and supporting singers, blended together a potpourri of Latin jazz, funk, soul and rock music.  Front man, Bardo Martinez is about as engaging performer as you'll find touring today.  At one point in the set he leapfrogged his keyboard rig, and at another point climbed up the band's speaker stack and jumped down to the stage while singing.  Chicano Batman has been riding a wave of success touring in support of their recent release, Freedom is Free.  A highlight of their set was the soulfully funky, "Angel Child."  In addition, bass player Eduardo Arenas cane to the front of the stage for a lifting version of "La Jura" sung in Spanish.  Current singles, "Freedom is Free" and "Friendship (Is A Small Boat in the Storm)" further captivated the audience and sent the enthusiastic crowd happy.  Based on the intensely engaging showmanship of Chicano Batman, I expect great things to come from this band in the future.  

photo courtesy of Pabst/Riverside Theater Group