by Schuyler Rooth
I have a lot of respect for musicians who are even better live than they are recorded—so my
respect for Kishi Bashi and Elizabeth and the Catapult has only grown since seeing these two artists play stellar sets last week at Irving Plaza.
First to the stage came Elizabeth Ziman to play a couple of solo numbers before her band joined
her for a rollicking set that included repertoire both new and old. I saw Elizabeth perform a
sparkling set in a tiny venue on a college campus when she was just getting her start, and her
zany stage presence and clever songwriting have only gotten better since then. The band's set generated a
sultry bedroom-music vibe for the crowded venue, setting the tone for the dreaminess that Kishi Bashi
would soon bring to the stage.
A grinning Kishi Bashi first appeared in halflight, and the audience cheered in anticipation of the mysterious antics he had up his sleeve. He opened his set with a stunning version of "Evalyn, Summer Has
Arrived," his voice (which he looped profusely throughout the set) soaring high and clear.
As Bashi introduced the band, he also mentioned that a new album is in the works and very close to
completion, which caused loud and exhilarated cheers. Needless to say, we were happy to hear him
play some of the new music, which showcased sophisticated intricacies that ignited the air through every
last guitar riff, drum kick, and nimble vocal loop. The set took many an unexpected turn, ending in
an outright jam session, complete with strobes and crowd surfing.
It was truly a pleasure to see two
dynamic bands that are so adept at live performance—especially on an otherwise rainy, gloomy New
York evening.