Song of the Day: Khruangbin & Leon Bridges “Texas Sun”

Neo-psychedelic superstars from Houston Khruangbin team up with neo-soul superstar from Fort Worth Leon Bridges on the brand new four-song EP, Texas Sun on Dead Oceans Records. Physical releases aren’t out until February, 2020, but CD and vinyl pre-orders are available and the EP is currently streaming via Bandcamp.

The pairing of a (largely) instrumental combo with a vocalist would seem a no-brainer. And title track “Texas Sun” decidedly delivers the goods: a lovelorn bit of country-soul, caked in prairie dust from the Lone Star State. With an unaffected vocal from Leon Bridges backed by some tasteful leads from guitarist Mark Speer and cooing backing vocals from bassist Laura Lee, atop in-the-pocket rhythm from drummer Donald Johnson, “Texas Sun” has a comfortable, lived-in feel, like a pair of well-worn leather boots. Very nice.