The Kubes are an American psychedelic rock band formed in Fort Worth, Texas in 2018. The core lineup consists of  Travis Flippo (Guitar/Vocals), Spencer Fortner (Bass/Vocals), Shyan Mahmoodi (Keyboards) and Landry Smith (Drums). The band has released several studio albums and live recordings since "Apache Woman" in September 2019. 

The group formed as a power trio on September 7, 2018 in the back room of Flippo's house. The band formed out of the Cream group’s focus on virtuosic instrumentation being the backdrop for a series of improvisations in their live shows. 

The Kubes have played venues around Fort Worth, Denton and Dallas, such as the Ridglea Lounge, Rock and Roll Rummage Sale, The Cicada, Haltom Theater, Dr. Jeckyll's, Andy's Bar, The Bearded Monk, Harvest House, and more. Working with many local groups, some of our favorites include Stem Afternoon, The Infamists, and Trio Glossia.

“While a thicker, syrupy psychedelia a la the Jack Bruce-fronted jam band certainly does form the basis of much of The Kubes’ early music, with Discovery One (2021), their second album, the trio seem to channel a different version of ’60s flower power: The Beach Boys. Discovery One is a pseudo concept album about an unnamed protagonist who learns to play “space blues” over the course of the 11 songs. Tracks like “Moon Going Round” and “The Ninth Circle” leave behind the heavier sound from the band’s first album, With The Kubes (2021), and give way to an airy Brian Wilson-esque pop.” - Fort Worth Weekly 

Albums such as 'In To The Outside' and 'Flying Saucer Tour' proved the trio could record groovy tracks with overdubbed instrumentation and replicate those in a live setting. These albums are the pinnacle of the three-piece Kubes lineup, and feature some longtime favorites like "Mean Streets" and "We're All Misunderstood". Further developing their home recording sound and style, each successive release pushes the psychedelic aura to a new height. Always wanting their live sound to be heard and recorded, the band has made it an effort to release many live recordings on Spotify and Bandcamp to show how songs can morph and jams develop onstage. Some fan-favorite live shows are the 'Jam House Halloween V: 10/26/24', recorded in a backyard, and 'Kubic Miles Vol. 1: 6/25/22', live at one of our favorite Denton spots.

The band has achieved an inimitable live sound on the stage, with 2023 bringing a new member on keyboards, Shyan Mahmoodi. The 'KUBEJAM' album (2024) features the quartet in full improvisational form, with sprawling instrumentals. The Kubes’ latest live album Room For One More... (Live) (2025) is out now, featuring the quartet on the stage catalogued in ‘24.

The group's newest studio album 'THE REVENGE OF BUFFALO MAC' (2026) is finally released after the longest recording process to date. A strong concept album, this record features all four Kubes on each of the twelve tracks for the first time and songwriting contributions from each member. The band's playing is tighter than ever, and the improved production quality makes the songs shine through. There are a variety of influences, both musical and filmic, swirling around the songs. Featuring some of the finest recorded jams in the group's history, mainly those in "T.B.O.A." and "Live On Another Day", this record boasts both inspired songwriting and expressive musical interplay.

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The band's members combine influences far and wide to create a blend of new sounds, all standing on the shoulders of giants.

Travis Flippo - vocals, guitar, production

Flippo is the band's de facto leader, doubling as producer crafting the group's digital sound. Experienced in jazz and bluegrass, he also plays mandolin in Denton's Tone Chasers, a bluegrass quintet. Flippo combines blues and psychedelic guitar playing to improvise wailing wah pedal-filled lines. Producing all the group's recorded output since they began recording in the Jam House, he seeks to provide the soundstage for the jams and playing to come through clear. Songwriting credits include "Moon Going Round", "The Silence Hurts" and "Hang 'Em High". Instruments include a Fender Telecaster, Epiphone SG, and Gretsch Electromatic Pro Jet guitars.

Spencer Fortner - vocals, bass, harmonica

Fortner locks the band in with his rock-solid bass playing emitting like sonic radiation from his Peavey amplifier. His influences on bass playing and vocal prowess include Jack Bruce, John Paul Jones, and Geddy Lee. Fortner's influence on the group's direction is extensive, contributing to arranging and creative methods that allow the style to flourish. Writing songs such as "Afraid at the Function", "Trouble On My Trail" and "Search and Ponder", he contributes to the band's original material at every step of the way. Instruments include a Squire Jazz Bass and Epiphone EB-3 models.

Shyan Mahmoodi - keyboards, vocals

The group changed forever following Mahmoodi's introduction to the band. Evolving into the quartet sound, the keyboard and synthesizer of Shyan are now deeply embedded within the group's live performances. His electronic and garage rock influences provide a new layer to the Kubes, giving depth to the improvisations like never before. Bringing his own songwriting and recording experience, he provides an energy that shines through the amplifier-filled stage. Songwriting credits include "Red" and the new "Cowboy Psychosis". Instruments include Korg and Casio keyboards, Yamaha equipment and many, many more.

Landry Smith - drums

The heart of the Kubes, Landry Smith is an experienced drummer in many genres, including jazz, alternative, punk, rock, and fusion improvisation. Landry's playing is the bedrock on which any Kubes improvisation and groove can grow. Rock-solid beats and a wide array of talents, Smith often provides the part that makes a song from good to great. His songwriting additions to the group are far and wide, contributing music and lyrics to songs like "Abandon Ship", "Live On Another Day" and "We're All Misunderstood". Instruments include Gretsch drums and Remo drum heads, with many broken sticks.