The Red and Black

Issue date: 7/3/08 Section: Variety

King Kahn and the Shrines [Click to enlarge]

Five fingers clutch a microphone and become a fist full of soul. A man has replaced his nerves with guitar strings and soaked his heart in rock 'n' roll gasoline. That man is King Kahn.

Kahn and the Shrines has left behind a trail of dance-floor fire ever since it left Berlin and went on tour. Sweat will turn into steam when Kahn and the Shrines takes the stage at the 40 Watt Club tonight.

The band's sound is psychedelic rhythm and blues flushed with rock and soul. Kahn said that the band's sound has a "karate beat." His musical career began with punk, and he has used it to shape his distinct blend of rock and blues.

"Old R&B is pretty punk," Kahn said. "The inspirations are different. With punk, you break things and cause havoc; with R&B, you preach erotic gospel."

King Kahn's shows are an experience. Kahn said that the music should take control of the body, and carry it on an enlightening journey.

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