Kishi Bashi returns with new single ‘Icarus IV’ and a 16-bit music video

Indie pop and looping violinist Kishi Bashi has returned back to his roots by announcing his new album ‘Kantos’. Following his exploration of his Japanese heritage in ‘Omoiyari’, which resulted in an album in 2019 and a film and soundtrack in 2022, Kishi Bashi returns to big sounds, big synths, big violins and new for this era, big guitars. There is a throwback to late 80s and early 90s stadium rock with lead single ‘Icarus IV’. The guitars, violins and synths proudly announce themselves in bold riffs and big chord stabs before Kishi Bashi’s trademark layered vocals bring the rollercoaster of emotions.

Accompanying this excellent single is an equally excellent 16-bit music video. Kishi Bashi said on Instagram:

“I decided to take a spin on the classic tale of Icarus, and I set my song to a 16-bit fantastical psycho-Greek animal world where it follows the return of the prodigal son, Icarus (Red Panda!) as he confronts his irate abandoned band mates.

While I can neither confirm nor deny that this story is autobiographical, you might relate if you’ve ever felt guilty having left or if you’ve ever felt left behind.

Kishi Bashi

The music video in all its pixel glory adds to the retro rock vibe the track encompasses and I recommend you take a nostalgia trip with ‘Icarus IV’ below. The single is out now, with the album ‘Kantos’ coming out on the 24th August. It is available to order on Bandcamp and you can find more about a truly unique musician on his website. I think this will be among my favourite albums of 2024.

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