Sonderlust Comes Alive: Kishi Bashi Concert Review

Photos and words by: Adam Briggs

Kishi Bashi | Calvin University | April 7, 2026 | Grand Rapids, Michigan

Kaoru Ishibashi, known to fans as Kishi Bashi, has spent over a decade refining his distinctive musical style. Fusing indie-pop melodies and harmonies with electronic beats and unconventional instruments, such as the violin and banjo, he has emerged as a master of song composition. His catalog of albums delves into themes ranging from relationships, empathy, and love to weightier subjects, such as the Japanese-American internment camps on the West Coast during World War II and philosophical questions about the future.

In 2016, Kishi Bashi released his third studio album, Sonderlust. To celebrate, he and his band are currently on tour promoting an anniversary edition of the album. The tour fittingly honors the album’s name. In a 2016 Strings Magazine interview with Pat Moran, Ishibashi explained, “Sonderlust is the desire to connect with them (people/strangers), and feel a part of this infinite universe.” The intimate setting gave both the band and the audience a chance to connect around this beloved album.

I was intrigued before the show, having previously seen Kishi Bashi at a much smaller venue. Excited to experience a new location, I wondered if the larger venue would maintain the same energy (spoiler: it did). Entering Calvin University’s Gezon Auditorium, the university’s Performing Arts Center, I felt the energy as people found their seats. Overhearing conversations, it was obvious Ishibashi had a devoted fan base; many attendees were seasoned Kishi Bashi showgoers. The auditorium buzzed as it filled.

Starting off the evening was minimalist electronic artist Bayonne (real name Roger Sellers). Accompanying Bayonne was drummer Matt Toman. Together, the two musicians put on a fantastic opening set. Much of the music was composed of Bayonne building loops and showing off his multi-instrumental chops. He deftly moved around the stage, wielding keys/synths, guitars, supplemental drums, and an army of effects. These built a wall of sound perfectly supplemented by Toman’s beats. The crowd responded enthusiastically, giving rousing applause after every song as the band built the sonic journey that each track took you on. Then, Bayonne’s silky tenor voice (with the added layer of vocal effects) cut through the wall of sound. The duo’s set included songs from Bayonne’s first three albums, as well as their most recent single, “January,” released in March.

Bayonne | Calvin University | April 7, 2026 | Grand Rapids, Michigan

Between sets, anticipation in the auditorium mounted as fans awaited Kishi Bashi. When the band emerged, they launched into a play-through of the entire Sonderlust album. Ishibashi was joined by Tall Tall Trees (Mike Savino) on bass and banjo, Graham Richards on keys, and Josiah Wolf on drums. The crowd erupted as the first notes of “m’Lover” filled the room. For the next 40 minutes, the band moved track by track through the album, with Ishibashi noting that some songs were being performed live for the first time, thanks to Richards on keys.

To close the first part of the set, the band performed “Honeybody” with a surprise appearance from new on-stage character Honeybuddy. Rather than just dancing, Honeybuddy hopped onto a child’s drum kit for a solo, as the band and crowd danced along. The band then played the album’s upbeat closer in double-time after the first verse and chorus.

After the raucousness of “Honeybody,” the band left the stage. Ishibashi commanded the stage by himself as he launched into a solo rendition of his iconic track, “I Am the Antichrist To You.” The room was so quiet, you could practically hear a pin drop. Ishibashi began the intro on the violin. Over the next minute or two, he built the beauteous violin composition. As Ishibashi’s haunting vocals permeated the room, it felt like a vacuum. The only things present were the violin and vocals from the stage. Not content to leave it there, Ishibashi launched into an almost ethereal violin solo that left me (and I’m sure the rest of the crowd) stunned. It truly was the performance of the evening. Ishibashi performed two songs from his 2019 album Omoiyari: “Penny Rabbit and Summer Bear” and “Theme from Jerome (Forgotten Words).” The album and its documentary focus on Japanese-American internment on the West Coast after Pearl Harbor. His speech revealed the profound impact of visiting these camps, and, unfortunately, these themes remain relevant today.

The band launched into “The Ballad of Mr. Steak,” featuring Mr. Steak himself. Though a little down after Honeybuddy’s earlier appearance, Mr. Steak danced after a song and a slideshow celebrating all they’ve experienced. The main set concluded with fan favorites, and the crowd enjoyed Tall Tall Trees’ standout percussion, as he used a drum mallet and banjo for an impressive performance.

Ishibashi kicked off the encore with a solo cover of the Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place.” After this performance, Ishibashi, Tall Tall Trees, Richards, and Wolf made their way to the auditorium floor. Performing from a stool and lit by phone lights, the band performed two additional encore songs. Positioned above the band and the crowd, I watched this moment unfurl as the band, now within the crowd, put on a moving performance of “Summer of ’42.” In one of the most beautiful moments of the evening, I could hear Ishibashi’s voice cut through the crowd’s chorus of “I was/am in love with you,” filling the auditorium with a soft yet powerful sound.

After the show, the band took questions from the enthusiastic audience. Ishibashi treated those in attendance to a peek at how he uses his equipment and pedals, prompting audible excitement as he demonstrated how he creates the sounds heard throughout the show.

This truly was a fitting way to end a show dedicated to Sonderlust. The feeling of community was palpable as Ishibashi and company invited the crowd onto the stage. It was such a cool way to see behind the curtain.

Kishi Bashi’s tour continues throughout April. More dates are currently planned for October. To find out more about Kishi Bashi, visit https://www.kishibashi.com and follow him on social media @kishi_bashi.

A 10th anniversary edition of Sonderlust also recently dropped. It features several songs left off the original release.