K. Ishibashi loops violin tracks with modern electric tones to create a unique sound under his stage name, Kishi Bashi. This uncommon combination of sound perfectly intertwines the openness of a classical symphony with the foot-tapping rhythms that arise from the computerized music of today. He layers his singing on top of this, creating very relaxed yet engaging songs.
Growing up in Virginia, Kishi Bashi became a distinguished violinist right out of high school. Throughout his life as a musician, he recorded multiple records and covers, and has toured with multiple large-name artists. His first album, “151a,” was funded through Kickstarter and received excellent reviews for its unique yet relatable sound.
Kishi Bashi’s second album, “Lighght,” released Tuesday, May 13, certainly does not stray from the sound for which he is so well known. He named this album after a poem by Aram Saroyan, a minimalist poet who writes in a very unorthodox way. It is obvious that Kishi Bashi’s inspiration came from the unconventional, both in his music and in the name of this new album. He opens this album with an electronic violin solo on “Debut – Impromptu” which sets the tone for the other tracks.
The feeling his sound evokes is most relatable to the feeling one gets when looking at a beautiful city skyline or out over the mountains and breathing in the cool air while taking in everything you see. The listener will feel at peace and undoubtedly happy while listening to his music, which is something everyone can enjoy.
The second track, “Philosophize In It! Chemicalize With It!” is quite upbeat and is very representative of his album on the whole, with a mash-up of violin and electric tones to create a very moving piece. There are also a few slower songs on the album, including “The Ballad of Mr. Steak” and “Q&A,” which are more thought provoking lyrically.
Perhaps the least provoking song both musically and lyrically is the sixth song on the album, “Impromptu No. 1.” This is more or less a jumble of sounds, with no real direction, and truly does not serve to further the album. However, this is only a one-minute song and does not do the album justice. It is safe, then, to ignore this one minor fault. The album does end on a wonderful note with “In Fantasia,” a seven-minute song that mostly consists of electronic sounds, which nicely juxtaposes his opening song, bringing the whole album full circle.
A preview of his music is available online for anyone to listen to on his website. Bashi’s new album certainly does not disappoint, and everyone should, at the very least, take a quick listen. Kishi Bashi is also coming to Denver on May 24 to the Gothic Theatre, so get a few friends together and listen to his unique sound that will be sure to have anyone enjoying their Saturday evening.
