Garage-rock eccentric King Khan may be from Montreal, but his heart is almost a thousand miles away, throbbing from Atlanta to Castle City, Mont., until it hits cardiac arrest in Kalamazoo. Khan and His Shrines warn that this so-called "Land of the Freak" is where only the strong survive, but it's a strength that can't be measured in muscle. It's sweaty, wild-eyed intensity that only those with soul can withstand. The sounds of James Brown, Little Richard and Sun Ra do have an authentic influence on Khan and his band, but there's a modern energy, too. Some purists might say Khan's brand of soul could use a punk-rock exorcism.
A three-minute mutant call to arms, "Land of the Freak" comes from the album What Is?!, which saw its U.S. debut this year. Its rugged music with an infectious attitude, but sounds only make up one half of Khan's band. With matching costumes, choreographed stage moves and a go-go dancer, the neo-soul 10-piece revels in rock's visual power. King Khan and the Shrines may look and sound bizarre, but don't feel left out; it's not an exclusive club. If it looks like there's room in the Cadillac, then jump in.
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