Khruangbin and Leon Bridges have shared the official music video for “Texas Sun”, the title track from their collaborative EP released earlier this month.
The Texas Sun EP marked a first for Khruangbin, as this was the only time they had ever written with a vocalist, and the results were a resounding success. Just last week, the group topped Billboard’s “Emerging Artists” chart as the EP rose to No. 1 on the “Americana/Folk Albums” chart, No. 2 on “Vinyl Albums”, No. 4 on “Top Rock Albums”, and No. 6 on “Top R&B Albums.”
“Texas Sun” highlights a different sound than what fans have come to expect from Khruangbin or Bridges. Of course, Bridges’ powerfully soulful vocals sit prominently atop the reliable rhythm section from Laura Lee (bass) and Donald Ray “DJ” Johnson Jr. (drums). The familiar flutter of Mark Speer‘s reverberating guitar phrases is omnipresent as well; however, a southern twang adds a unique element to the song.
On its face, “Texas Sun” is a love song. Bridges sings of a girl he wishes to keep by his side with lines like, “You say you like the wind blowing through your hair/Well, come on, roll with me ’til the sun goes down/That Texas sun.” The video, however, combined with the Americana and folk elements, tells a much deeper story. It tells the story of a father, a family, and a farmer. It tells the story of heartbreak and despair and its necessary harmonization with a visceral love of life and home. Most of all, it tells the story of a Texan and an overall relatable human.
Director Philip Andelman said in a statement: “I had never felt this transported by a song, never felt such a powerful need to shoot anything before in my life.” He continued,
We traveled out to East Texas and just started driving, creating our own set of adventures as we went along: meetings with pecan farmers in Van Horn, mezcal dealers in Marga, ranchers in Valentine. We didn’t have much gear, just a camera, some incandescent bulbs, a tripod and ratchet straps…Calling this a labor of love would be an understatement, it was the ride of a lifetime.
Watch the “Texas Sun” music video below.
Khruangbin & Leon Bridges – “Texas Sun”
[Video: Dead Oceans]
Khruangbin have a busy Spring ahead as they will team up with Tame Impala for a string of dates in Australia and New Zealand before a show in Germany (6/15) and an appearance at Newport Jazz Fest (8/7-8/9). Head to their Facebook for the latest show information.
Leon Bridges will also be performing this spring, including an appearance at the inaugural Lena Horne Prize event tomorrow (2/28). Click here for more information on his upcoming shows.
