- PREMIERE: Eloah Jones – “Under the Bridge” - November 18, 2021
- PREMIERE: Highbeams – “Campfires” - November 10, 2021
- Tali Azerad Shines on New Album - November 5, 2021
“Kan Wakan arrive with a striking breadth of vision that immediately places them among modern pop’s most beguiling and inventive new artists. The Los Angeles-based group’s extraordinary self-titled debut EP introduces their ornate and enveloping amalgam of psychedelic soul, post rock, alternative Americana, noir jazz, 60s soundtrack stylings, and orchestral pop, all reshaped and rearranged to create something both startlingly original and utterly contemporary.”
After reading this paragraph from Kan Wakan’s bio, I was excited at the possibility of seeing them perform live. November 4th at the historic Troubadour provided the opportunity, and the result was a fantastic, intriguing set that I didn’t want to see end.
If you asked me what genre they fit into, I wouldn’t have a great answer for you. The above paragraph does a pretty good job of describing some of the elements put into this band. The biggest takeaway from the performance was that this group of musicians are creating something unique, layered, and grand. Every note seemed to be crafted and well thought-out. While fully formed just over a year ago, Kan Wakan plays with a confidence and intricacy of a veteran band.
Composer and multi-instrumentalist Gueorgui Linev’s arrangements and melodies fit perfectly with the smooth, soulful singing of vocalist Kristianne Bautista. Often times when watching a band perform, it feels like you are watching the lead singer’s party with their backup musicians supporting the lead. This was not the case with Kan Wakan’s set. This was a full band performance (7 strong), with guitars, bass, various drum-work, synth, and saxophone parts all weaved into a captivating mixture. I highly recommend going to see this band when you get the chance; they are refreshing, unique, intriguing, and put on a memorable live show.
Kan Wakan’s new EP Forever Found is out now, check it out HERE and be sure to see them live if you get the chance!
