151a
Kishi Bashi · 2012
34 min · 9 tracks · indie pop
A whimsical blend of orchestral pop and folk-infused melodies, layered with rich textures and Kishi Bashi's soaring vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Manchester — This track captures the essence of the album with its infectious energy and clever lyrical interplay that reflects both personal introspection and broader themes.
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I Am the Antichrist to You — Infused with dramatic strings and emotive vocal delivery, this song highlights Kishi Bashi's ability to blend storytelling with lush arrangements, creating a poignant listening experience.
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Beat the Bright Out of Me — With its expansive soundscapes and introspective lyrics, this track exemplifies Kishi Bashi's innovative approach to songwriting, merging intricate melodies with heartfelt narratives.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Kishi Bashi's debut showcases strong composition and craft, with varied pacing and rich textures that invite repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a two-part track that introduces orchestral elements before transitioning into more upbeat songs.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies and intricate string arrangements, creating a rich sonic texture.
- The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks maintaining a brisk tempo while others slow down to emphasize lyrical content.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- whimsical melodies for daydreaming
- steady pacing for relaxed afternoons
- introspective lyrics during quiet moments
- enchanting sounds for reflective walks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer high-energy, fast-paced music
- seek standalone hits over cohesion
Where this album fits
- Career context
- 151a is Kishi Bashi's debut album, released in 2012 after he gained recognition as a member of the band Jupiter One. This album marked his transition into a solo artist, showcasing his unique sound and artistic vision with a vibrant mix of violin-driven compositions and eclectic influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sufjan Stevens· Andrew Bird· Owen Pallett
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Intro / Pathos, Pathos 3:58
- 2 Manchester 4:06
- 3 Bright Whites 4:13
- 4 It All Began With a Burst 3:04
- 5 Wonder Woman, Wonder Me 3:20
- 6 Chester's Burst Over the Hamptons 1:49
- 7 Atticus, in the Desert 4:19
- 8 I Am the Antichrist to You 3:56
- 9 Beat the Bright Out of Me 5:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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