★★★★★
In a way, it's misleading to approach with the assumption Kishi Bashi's sophomore release will be a stark departure from his debut based on the title. A reference to poet Aram Saroyan's one-word "blatant assault on literary convention and classical form," as Kishi Bashi fondly refers to it, the album lives up to its name by tearing down compositional forms and building back up from the ashes one that challenges indie rock's expectations...
- www.sputnikmusic.com
2014-06-01
★★★★★
Over the course of two albums, songwriter/violinist/composer Kaoru Ishibashi has proven he isn't afraid of big ideas. For his sophomore effort, the man behind the Kishi Bashi name could have remained content performing the same kind of breezy chamber pop that made his debut, 151a, a surprise hit in 2012. Instead of reinforcing his laurels, he pushes new boundaries on Lighght, seeking new sounds, but unfortunately missing more often than he hits...
- consequenceofsound.net
2014-05-28
★★★★★
I was scared to listen to Kishi Bashi's (K Ishiabashi) new album because his previous album,151a, is one of my favorite albums released in the last couple of years. I hold that muthafucker up on a pedestal. And when I hold up certain albums on a pedestal the subsequent release is bound for disappointment. BUT I forced myself to erase 151a from my ears and to listen to K's new album Lighght because I like K; he remains one of my favorite SYFFAL interviews...
- www.syffal.com
2014-05-20
★★★★★
K Ishibashi actualized his joyous rooftop pop with sophomore effort Lighght . It's a 12-track journey through floating hope, bone-breaking jubilee and crushes so intense you might just barf. It's an aural exercise in blowing bubbles with a tiny hangover on the most beautiful sunny day in your favorite park. Lighght is easy to ingest and digest. Its flow is logical but flowery, gently cupping the listener for the mild drops and rises...
- www.pastemagazine.com
2014-05-16
★★★★★
Track List:
1. Début - Impromptu 2. Philosophize In It! Chemicalize With It! 3. The Ballad of Mr. Steak 4. Carry on Phenomenon 5. Bittersweet Genesis for Him AND Her 6. Impromptu No 1 7. Q&A; 8. Once Upon a Lucid Dream (In Afrikaans) 9. Hahaha Pt. 1 10. Hahaha Pt. 2 11. In Fantasia
Photo by Kaden Shallat, courtesy of the artist
Further the conversation with your thoughts and comments. Agree, disagree, present a different perspective -- engage...
- www.kcrw.com
2014-05-12
★★★★★
The second album from this Seattle-born, Athens, GA-based composer/violinist is an ambitious set of expansive chamber-pop, featuring a densely layered sound with looped violins, strummed acoustic guitars, dynamic vocals and bright pop melodies. 5/2/2014
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- kexp.org
2014-05-03
★★★★★
151a is the debut solo album from Kishi Bashi (K Ishibashi) the singer-guitarist from New York pop band Jupiter One, not to mention touring band member for Of Montreal and Regina Spector. It's a delightfully ethereal album, with beautiful layered uplifting soundscapes. There are obvious comparisons to be made to both Andrew Bird and Owen Pallet, mostly due to the fact they share an affinity for the violin. Despite these similarities, there is sense of freshness to the album...
- www.theaureview.com
2012-10-08
★★★★★
Album ReviewsTom Dozois Recommend This Page By: Tom DozoisAlbum Rating: 9 What do the following artists have in common? Animal Collective Paul Simon The Beatles Erasure Passion Pit Andrew Bird Of Montreal Give up? You can hear bits and pieces of their sound at random times through-out Kishi Bashi's album 151a:The first track, Intro/Pathos Pathos, has a little of that Paul Simon African feel.The second track, Manchester, reminds me of Erasure...
- www.syffal.com
2012-06-14
★★★★★
The best spot-the-influence albums don't just work obvious reference points into new shape via synthesis--they match or better those influences on their home turf. On his debut solo album, K Ishibashi (aka Kishi Bashi) doesn't bother ducking the Andrew Bird and Owen Pallett comparisons that are bound to dog him as a solo pop violinist/multi-instrumentalist, and he seemingly makes no bones about his admiration for Animal Collective...
- www.popmatters.com
2012-05-24
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