The Khan Brothers
Allow Time Out Sydney to direct your attention to places where you might not otherwise glance. And not only because we're trying to pinch your wallet
By Andrew P Street
How old are you boys? What, you're scribbling on the walls now? Filthy
Wait a second: don't I know these guys? Sure you do: Edo and Nadav Kahn were the creative heart of the much-loved Sydney indie-pop sorts Gelbison (‘All The Rage', ‘Holy') - however, despite making a splash with See The World in 2004, the band were shed in the great EMI shake up of 2006. No to be deterred, the lads shook themselves off and changed both name and direction.
What's their sound? While the voices are immediately recognisable, The Kahn Brothers are far more laid-back classic summery pop (think the regular 60s close-harmony touchstones: Beatles, CSNY, Kinks, Lovin' Spoonful and so on) than the at-times-rockin' Gelbison. Listen to the jaunty strummery of ‘Thing Called Love' and the difference is immediately apparent. Lovers of the Jack Johnsons and Donovan Frankenreiters of the world would alos find much to love about their melodic charms.
So what's the difference between Gelbison and The Kahn Brothers? "The source is one and the same, but its expression feels very different to us," Edo explains. "The Kahn Brothers music feels more deeply connected to our hearts and higher purpose, and so the sound is clearer, more organic, and more joyous!"
So, technically, are they a new act? Sure they are. "We are not new to making art, but we are always looking for new approaches to being artists and creating music," Edo insists. "Each day, each moment, is an opportunity to be born anew and to die to the past. Kahn Brothers, is a new adventure for us and also a new band.
So, post-EMI, are they staunchly independent these days? Well, "staunchly" might be pushing it - but as Edo says, "For now it makes sense for us to be independent, we love it. But we are not attached to any one way of doing things, just to honor what feels right."
So is that independence the reason why the music's more relaxed? Not exactly - or at least, not completely. "We have changed, and as we feel more relaxed, more open, more loving and at peace, so naturally what we create musically reflects that."
Where can I hear them? You could get along to their album launch at the Vanguard on Wed 25 June. They promise a host of guests, including Sierra Fin and Playjerise. Or you could listen to ‘Open' streaming right this second by using the player below.