Kishi Bashi brightened the night at Belly Up with Sweet Loretta
Extending the The Belly Up‘s 50th anniversary showcase of extraordinary shows into September, Kishi Bashi‘s Kantos Tour made an eagerly anticipated stop in Solana Beach. Indulging in the last days of SoCal summer, the troupe took full advantage of the venue’s proximity to the Pacific prior to the show, surfing and swimming and rejuvenating their spirits, all helping fuel the most spectacular performance any Tuesday could hope for. Don’t miss out as the Kantos Tour continues in the eastern US and Canada in October then heads to Europe for dates in late November and early December.
Sweet Loretta from London got the crowd into the action early with their adorably earnest and sweet alt-pop, launching directly into their fun, danceable set. A few members nursed sunburns from their earlier oceanic outing, but the band’s love for performing completely shined through. Joined for their final numbers by Mike Savino from Tall Tall Trees, the band’s joyful exuberance and, dare one say, dorky swagger definitely gave their songs an extra air of authenticity. Their infectious energy and catchy melodies got the crowd moving, creating an electric atmosphere, and whetting fans’ appetites for the main event.
Known for his intricate live looping and layering of sound with his violin, multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi started his set with a few energetic numbers on the keytar. With Mike Savino and members of Sweet Loretta serving as his accompanying band, his devotion to the audience (clearly devoted to him as well) was plainly evident, encouraging the beaming crowd to sing and clap along. Reveling in the synergy that comes from a live performance, sublime satisfaction positively radiated from the fans throughout The Belly Up. Taking up his violin, Kishi led the band in rousing renditions of Marigolds and Colorful State, culminating in the first crowd-pleasing confetti launch.
With the band briefly offstage, Kishi delivered powerful solo versions of I Am The Antichrist To You on guitar and covered This Must Be The Place (by Talking Heads) on violin (amongst others). The enraptured crowd hung on every note and lyric, doing an amazing job of harmonizing with the softer solo songs.
After the brief respite, the band returned and the spectacle continued. First came the appearance of Icarus and his golden wings, adding a mythical touch to the performance, reminiscent of old collaborations with the band Of Montreal, with other band members donning masks as well. Mr. Steak, a fan favorite, also appeared during The Ballad of Mr Steak, driving everyone in the crowd wild with his sax “solo”. In a poignant moment, Kishi Bashi expressed his concerns about the rise of AI, urging the audience to support one another and champion human connection. It was a heartfelt message that resonated deeply, reminding everyone of the power of music, community, and our ability to create art.
Returning for the encore. Kishi Bashi and the band made their way to the middle of the floor, bringing the music even closer to the audience. This immersive experience allowed for even more interaction, creating a special sense of community as all around joined in song. As fans filed out of Belly Up, they carried with them the infectious happiness and shared experiences of the night. The sing-alongs, the confetti, the sheer charismatic presence that Kishi Bashi exudes, once again, proved why he is a beloved figure in the indie music scene.
Scroll down for our image and video galleries from the show, and next time: see you there!