They say that you spend your entire life writing your first album, piecing every formative moment, scribbled turn of phrase, and thematic epiphany into a fantastical collage. Multi-instrumentalist K. Ishibashi (aka Kishi Bashi) disproves that old adage. The title of Kishi Bashi's 2011 debut album, 151a, is a riff on the Japanese phrase "ichi-go ichi-e," roughly translating to "one time, one place." That's exactly what this debut is: A singular time, an inimitable place, a launchpad for bigger and better things to come."It's a play on words that translates as a performance aesthetic of having a unique performance in time, with imperfections, and enjoying it while you can," Ishibashi told NPR at the time of the album's release. "The saying reminds me to embrace my mistakes and move forward."Produced and performed exclusively by Kishi Bashi, 151a is a showcase of singular talent and ambition- and it didn't go unnoticed by fans or peers. Along with launching Kishi Bashi's career as a soloist, this earnest debut made him one of indie music's most in-demand violinists. He was no longer relegated to side stage as a collaborator of Regina Spektor, Sondre Lerche, of Montreal, and more-the Kishi Bashi name could endure with it's own merit. As deeply personal as 151a undoubtedly is, the record was animated by a deep and enduring partnership. Following Kishi Bashi's collaboration with of Montreal's Kevin Barnes for the watershed art-pop album Paralytic Stalks, his worldview and artistic approach was transformed for the better. Strict habits hung loose, sonic palettes bled and broadened, and a one-man orchestra sprouted from a foundation of string loops. From the deconstructed Beach Boys-esque doo-wop of "Wonder Woman" to the menacing marriage of Eastern Hues and Western operatics of "Beat the Bright out of Me," 151a a mediation between opposing drives, offering possible reconciliation but never promising it. The album's emotional wellspring, "I Am The Antichrist To You" was reimagined in 2021 when it was featured on the animated sci-fi sitcom Rick and Morty, introducing Kishi Bashi to a new generation of awestruck fans. Kishi Bashi also uses 151a as a vehicle to explore his cultural background. Using Japanese refrains as a compositional and textural device (the polyrhythmic grandeur of "Bright Whites"; the gleeful surrealism of "It All Began With a Burst"), Kishi Bashi celebrates his heritage with earnestness. Japanese phrases and couplets are sung as the response to Kishi Bashi's resplendent calls, offering listeners a conversation that dovetails with the album's themes of love, sentimentality, and self-discovery.Today, the "one time" and "one place" that 151a inhabited seems further than ever, almost broaching celestial realms of time and space. But, rest assured, with each listen, the world that Kishi Bashi built springs back to life. The world of 151a never left-it was just waiting to be rediscovered.
Release date:
May 6, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Baest Colossal
Century Media
August 15, 2025 -
John Maus Later Than You Think
Young
September 26, 2025 -
Lorna Shore I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me [2xLP]
Century Media
September 12, 2025 -
El Michels Affair 24 Hr Sports
Big Crown
September 5, 2025 -
Jordan Davis Learn The Hard Way [2xLP]
Mca Nashville
August 15, 2025 -
Robin Kester Dark Sky Reserve
Memphis Industries
September 12, 2025 -
David Bowie & Mick Jagger Dancing In The Street E.P. 2025
Rhino / Parlophone
August 29, 2025 -
Kathleen Edwards Billionaire
Dualtone Music Group
August 22, 2025 -
Chick Corea Trilogy 3 [2xLP]
Candid
September 12, 2025 -
Knosis Genknosis (Translucent Crystal)
Sharptone Records
August 1, 2025 -
The Last Dinner Party From The Pyre
Island
October 17, 2025 -
Minami Kitasono Meridian
Jet Set
August 15, 2025 -
Guenna Peak Of Jin'arrah
The Sign Records
December 31, 2025 -
The Hives The Hives Forever Forever The Hives (Gold)
Play It Again Sam
August 29, 2025