Sasquatch '09: King Khan and the Shrines

There aren't a lot of lead singers that can perform at a music festival dressed in solely underwear, a gold cape, Airwalk shoes, and a headdress. But if anybody can pull that off, it's King Khan. The Montreal-bred East Indian frontman was insatiably vibrant and full of energy during his hour long set earlier today. He also shined noticeably brighter with a full band behind him-playing as King Khan and the Shrines.

Renee McMahon

The only time I've ever seen Khan perform before, he was rolling through Miami as a duo with his other (slightly more notable group) King Khan and BBQ Show, which is just Khan being Khan (kicking people in the face) wearing lingerie on stage with BBQ on a snare drum simultaneously playing a guitar. It's a good concept, but the music suffers from a lack of a full sound. Today, as Khan played with the Shrines, it was a much fuller sound and the crowd was really into it. His new band consisted of two horns (sax/trumpet) percussion, drums, bass, guitar, and keys all playing together creating a more harmonious front.

At one point, I felt like if you've ever wondered what an East Indian James Brown would sound like, it would totally be King Khan and the Shrines. He wailed, strutted, danced, and partied while on stage like the eccentric lead singer that he's always been. So far, it's been my favorite set so far. Rumor has it, King Khan and BBQ are playing a show tomorrow night in Seattle at the Funhouse as well.