The last time the multi-talented Kaoru Ishibashi graced Australian shores, he was touring with Regina Spektor as part of support band Jupiter One. The success of a solo performance at the Melbourne show helped to instigate his solo career as Kishi Bashi and he has since cultivated a dedicated fan-base with his excellent debut album, 151a.
It seems fitting that – even though Kishi Bashi has been bulked out to a full band for live shows – Ishibashi is stripped back to a one-man show for his current Aussie shows.
I had expected a great voice and some expertly looped violin on par with Andrew Bird, but I was completely unaware of Ishibashi’s beat-boxing skills. Citing Australian’s love of electronic music, he indulges in some jaw-dropping b-box stylings in between songs. Even though the tour is promoting new album Lighght, the set is weighted in favour of 151a. Highlights come thick and fast from both albums, the standouts being Philosophize In It! Chemicalize In It!, Q&A and Manchester.
Providing support was another band member carving a solo effort – Dappled Cities’ Tim Derricourt. Under the guise of Swimwear, Derricourt is nowhere near as polished as the main act, but he always knows how to have fun onstage. If the microphone cuts out or there’s no sound coming out the guitar, that only means more improvised comical dance moves. His new synth-and-beat-driven sound showed much promise and boosted the energy for Kishi Bashi’s midweek sell-out crowd.
BY CHRIS GIRDLER
Loved: Kishi Bashi will be back in the near future with a full band –– so we get the best of both worlds.
Hated: Not enough tracks from Lighght (I highly recommend this album).
Drank: G&T.
