Khruangbin’s “So We Won’t Forget”: A Psychedelic Lullaby Against the Tide of Time
In the sun-drenched world of Khruangbin, memories shimmer like mirages and emotions swirl like desert winds. Their music, a potent blend of funk, surf rock, and Thai psychedelic soul, has a way of transporting you to a timeless dreamscape, where the past whispers through hazy melodies and the present dances to hypnotic grooves. And nowhere is this magic more potent than in their 2020 gem, “So We Won’t Forget.”
From the opening whisper of Laura Lee’s vocals, the song unfolds like a gentle tide, washing over you with its warm, woozy rhythm. The bass chugs with a deep, earthy pulse, while Mark Speer’s guitar weaves melancholic melodies that echo like desert sighs. Lee’s lyrics, simple yet evocative, speak of holding onto precious memories, of etching them onto our hearts against the relentless flow of time.
“So We Won’t Forget” isn’t a nostalgic anthem; it’s a plea for present awareness, a reminder to savor the fleeting moments that brush against our lives. The song’s melancholic beauty reminds us of the bittersweet nature of existence, the constant interplay between joy and loss, presence and absence.
The music video, a kaleidoscope of vintage film and dreamlike imagery, perfectly captures the song’s ethereal mood. We see fleeting glimpses of love, laughter, and life’s simple pleasures, interspersed with moments of solitude and introspection. It’s a visual tapestry woven from memory fragments, a reminder that our past shapes who we are, even as it fades from the present.
But “So We Won’t Forget” isn’t just about wallowing in nostalgia; it’s a celebration of the enduring power of love and connection. The song’s hypnotic groove, its gentle ebb and flow, offers a soothing balm for the anxieties of modern life. It invites us to slow down, to breathe in the beauty of the present, and to hold onto the things that truly matter.
In a world obsessed with chasing the next trend, “So We Won’t Forget” stands as a testament to the timeless power of soul, the enduring magic of melody, and the profound impact of human connection. It’s a song to lose yourself in, to hum along to under the desert sky, a gentle reminder that some things, some memories, deserve to be etched into the fabric of our existence, so we won’t forget.
Fun Fact
Laura Lee Ochoa, the band’s bassist and vocalist, wrote the song after experiencing a personal loss. While the exact details haven’t been publicly disclosed, she has described the song as a way of “holding onto what’s precious” and “commemorating those who are no longer with us.” This deeply personal inspiration adds another layer of emotional depth to the song’s lyrics and melody, the gentle yearning to remember resonating with anyone who has experienced the bittersweetness of loss and the importance of cherishing memories.
About the Artist
Khruangbin, which translates to “Engine Fly” in Thai, isn’t just a band; it’s a sonic journey through sun-drenched landscapes, where vintage grooves collide with psychedelic dreamscapes and Thai funk mingles with surf-rock cool. Hailing from Texas, Laura Lee Ochoa (bass), Mark Speer (guitar), and DJ Johnson (drums) weave vibrant tapestries of sound, inviting listeners to lose themselves in their hazy, hypnotic world.
Born and bred in Texas, the trio’s musical paths converged in the early 2010s. Lee and Speer found their rhythmic and melodic chemistry after playing with Yppah, while Johnson, Lee’s bandmate in a gospel group, added his soulful touch to the mix. This diverse musical background became the foundation for their unique signature sound, drawing inspiration from Thai luk thung, vintage funk and soul, and even Iranian pop.
Beyond the studio, Khruangbin are captivating live performers. Their concerts are mesmerizing journeys, with the band effortlessly transforming into a sonic conduit, carrying the audience through kaleidoscopic landscapes of their own creation. It’s a chance to bask in the warm glow of their vintage amps, sway to hypnotic rhythms, and let the desert winds of their music carry you away.
