KHRUANGBIN REDISCOVER THEIR COSMIC DEBUT ALBUM
Kendra Dresser
Khruangbin returns to its debut album, The Universe Smiles Upon You ii, with new clarity, renewed curiosity, and a decade of artistic growth.
Decade after The Universe Smiles Upon You first introduced their unmistakable sound. The Texas trio known as Khruangbin has stepped back into the barn where everything began.
This time, they approach the music with a calmer hand, deeper intention, and a far richer sense of who they’ve become. Their new project, The Universe Smiles Upon You ii, gives listeners a fresh entry point into the band’s earliest ideas.
A Chapter Ends as Another Begins
What started as a simple plan to re-record the album shifted as soon as they settled into the room, and they chose instead to play the songs as they live today, shaped by years of touring, trust, and growth.
Along the way, they rethought the album’s structure, replacing the original opener with longtime fan favourite Bin Bin. Khruangbin released a new self-directed video for White Gloves ii alongside the album. Surreal and quietly playful, it adds a fresh dimension to the record’s dreamlike tone.
These subtle changes give the record a warmer, fuller pulse, revealing how far the trio has travelled since 2015.
Sound, visuals and the world of Khruangbin
The album is available digitally now, while physical editions, including the M Blanc and M Noir vinyl variants, are open for pre-order and feature photos from the original recording sessions.
The trio also spoke about retracing their early steps and how time reshapes both the songs and the people who play them. That honesty sits at the centre of this entire project.
A decade of movement
Across the past decade, Khruangbin has grown from tiny rooms to sold-out arenas, from local sets to major festival stages. Their recent album A LA SALA earned a Grammy nomination and brought their sound to an even wider audience. To mark this anniversary, they’ve announced a special U.S. tour, which sold out almost immediately.
The Khruangbin Debut Album
The Universe Smiles Upon You ii feels like both an ending and a beginning. It closes the door on their first era while quietly opening another. The record acts like a mirror that reflects their past and hints at their future, showing how much they’ve grown and how many paths still wait ahead.
Listen to the album or explore more about Khruangbin on their website.
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Kendra Dresser is in Communications and Public Relations with a focus on how fashion, media, and culture shape the way we see the world and ourselves.
She’s interested in the connection between image and meaning: how a campaign, an outfit, or a trend can say something deeper about identity, mood, and the cultural moment.
She’s especially drawn to how Generation Z uses fashion and beauty to express individuality, often in bold, layered, and playful ways. She’s also curious about how social media continues to reshape storytelling, changing how we create, share, and connect through visual culture.
To Kendra, fashion is more than just style; it’s a language! One that reflects who we are, how we feel, and what we stand for. She’s committed to sustainability and believes fashion and culture should not only inspire but also respect the planet.
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