Music
Kishi Bashi's sophomore album builds upon the musical ideas he introduced in his first studio album, 151a. A classical violin virtuoso-turned-songwriter, Kaoru Ishibashi continues to use the violin as his main instrument and source of inspiration. In Lighght, he plays with the conventions of both classical music and pop music by layering, distorting, and looping violin sounds in experimental ways. He also utilizes synthetic keyboards and different kinds of percussion to add dimension behind his characteristic singing voice, which Kristofer Lenz describes as "clear, high, and beautiful." [8] Each song is distinctive and complex, ranging from the upbeat, dance-inspired "Carry on Phenomenon" and "The Ballad of Mr. Steak" to the sweet and simple love song "Q&A" and the seven-minute psychedelic, atmospheric conclusion "In Fantasia."
Critical reception
Upon its 2014 release, the album generated favorable reviews from most critics. It received a critic score of 71 on Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable reviews." On the same website, it received a user score of 8.1, indicating "universal acclaim."[9] On popular music review website The Line of Best Fit, reviewer Danny Wadeson wrote of the album, "Put bluntly, every song herein are overbrimming with frenzied brilliance," and concluded by stating that Kishi Bashi has "produced his finest work to date." [10] Matt Harrison of Sputnikmusic agrees, stating "While Lighght is sure to give listeners a satisfying mix of sounds from track to track, the album’s expansion and deconstruction of classical form through a lens of indie-rock is consistent to a stunning degree."[11] Other reviewers had less favorable opinions. Kristopher Lenz of music blog Consequence of Sound thought the album missed the mark, expressing that there is "simply too much questionable fluff surrounding the good ideas."[8] Despite disagreements, reviewers seem to agree that Kishi Bashi's sophomore effort has been successful in defining his signature sound.
Track listing
All tracks written by Kishi Bashi.
|
| 1. | "Debut – Impromptu" | 0:47 |
| 2. | "Philosophize In It! Chemicalize With It!" | 3:21 |
| 3. | "The Ballad of Mr. Steak" | 3:19 |
| 4. | "Carry on Phenomenon" | 4:04 |
| 5. | "Bittersweet Genesis for Him AND Her" | 3:33 |
| 6. | "Impromptu no 1" | 0:59 |
| 7. | "Q&A" | 3:12 |
| 8. | "Once Upon a Lucid Dream (in Afrikaans)" | 4:06 |
| 9. | "Hahaha, Pt. 1" | 2:42 |
| 10. | "Hahaha, Pt. 2" | 4:01 |
| 11. | "In Fantasia" | 7:09 |
Japanese bonus tracks
|
| 12. | "I'll Grow a Garden" | 3:23 |
| 13. | "I'll See You There" | 3:52 |
| 14. | "Song For the Sold" | 3:00 |
Personnel
Additional performers
- Kevin Barnes – bass on "Hahaha Pt. 2", additional vocals "In Afrikaans"
- Yoed Nir – cello on "Philosophize!" , "In Afrikaans" , "Q&A", "In Fantasia"
- Amos Housworth, cello on “Philosophize!” and “Bittersweet Genesis”
- Keiko Ishibashi – vocals on “Q&A” and “Impromptu no 1”
- Daniel Brunner and Mike Savino – vocals on “Carry On Phenomenon”
- Zac Colwell – Juno 60 on “Hahaha Pt. 2” and “In Afrikaans”
- Davey Pierce – miniMoog midi-fying on “In Afrikaans”
- Clayton Rychlik – drums on “Carry On Phenomenon”, “Philosophize!”, “Mr.Steak”, “In Afrikaans”, “Hahaha Pt. 2”
- Phillip Mayer – additional drums on “Philosophize!”.
Charts
Album
| Year |
Chart |
Position |
|---|
| 2014 |
US The Billboard 200 [13] |
53 |
| 2014 |
US Tastemaker Albums[14] |
15 |
| 2014 |
US Alternative Albums[15] |
10 |
| 2014 |
US Independent Albums[16] |
11 |
| 2014 |
US Top Rock Albums[17] |
13 |
| 2014 |
US Top Album Sales[18] |
53 |
Songs
| Year |
Chart |
Song |
Position |
|---|
| 2014 |
Japan Hot 100 |
"The Ballad of Mr. Steak"[19] |
12 |
