Kishi Bashi creates some seriously eccentric music. Reminiscent of a multitude of acts out there in the indie-sphere, this solo musician has made an immense impression on me with 151a.
You’ll undoubtedly hear some comparisons to The Shins and Animal Collective when researching his music, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and compare it to Anathallo. The wide range of instrumentation and unique vocal arrangements elevate Kishi Bashi above most Singer/Songwriters – sounding less like a traditional one-piece and more like a small orchestra.
Electronics and pitch-shifted vocals are scattered throughout 151a, but function more as a spice than a foundation. Underlying the fancy melodies and wacky arrangements is a solid framework of driven pieces not content with settling into the default indie sound.
Like anything eccentric, this album requires focus. While there are a few toe-tapping tracks (one even being featured in a recent AmEx commercial) there are just as many out-in-left-field portions of the album. Not allowing these sections to settle in will make for some sad listening – that is, unless all you want are those upbeat, single-esque tracks.
151a is Kishi Bashi’s debut solo album, and while he has been a touring musician with acts such as Of Montreal and Regina Spektor, the album allows his own brand of eccentric indie music to shine beautifully. Here’s hoping we see more of this fine artist as time goes on.
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Take a listen to my home-brewed instrumental/electronic/indie album
"Where Were We When" and download it for as many coconuts as you can spare.
Coconuts are delicious, though their milk tastes like pond water.
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1 comment
Poor Remy – Still Sleeping EP | Bandcamp's Best says:
Jul 24, 2012
[...] All Night” are also strikingly similar to Kishi Bashi‘s recent masterpiece 151a, and provide some seriously addictive toe-tapping [...]