Kan Wakan at Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen

Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen hosted what was a spectacular evening of artistic prowess from supergroup Kan Wakan last night last night. Coming all the way from Los Angeles to promote their debut album Moving On, this group brought an eclectic but beautiful sound that was original and vast – a swirling cocktail of catharsis and emotion.

As the band came onstage, they didn’t introduce themselves but rather got to their respective instruments and started out with an instrumental piece. It was dreamy, ambient, classically influenced and tight. Their sound over the course of the show was a blend of psychedelic soul, post rock, electronica, jazz, Spanish, classical and much more: worthy of the opening credits of an Oscar-winning drama.

Kan Wakan’s songs are absolutely outstanding – well composed, like a mellow version of The Mars Volta and Muse in their prime, but truthfully they have no rivals to be compared to: they are in a league of their own.

With the band’s sound comprised heavily of ambiance, the guitarists, bassist and main keyboardist flipped back and forth between playing their respective instruments to even playing the synths.  At the end of the show, they busted out an instrumental jam that featured the keyboardist playing the saxophone with delay, reverb tied to an amp and mic, adding to what was a calypso-infused salsa that was so much fun to listen and dance to.

A stellar light show with spot lights shining on the red curtain onstage behind the band, and a disco ball spinning spotted patterns only added to the experience of the show, and brought out the band’s sound. It is only a matter of time before these guys blow up, as they are an act that are tight, eclectic and immensely talented

 Joe Hoffman
Photos: Guifré de Peray

For further information and future events visit Kan Wakan’s website here.

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