I’m not sure any recorded music can capture the vibrancy and brilliance of a Kishi Bashi live set — I’ve seen the vocalist/violinst/experimentalist in two different settings, a tiny club and a park bandshell, and both experiences were intoxicating and magical — but I’m always happy to hear new songs from the guy. “Philosophize In It! Chemicalize With It!” is the A-side of a new Kishi Bashi 7″ (a different version of the song will be included on his second album), released in conjunction with an upcoming tour. It’s his first new original material since 2012 debut LP 151a (more recently he released some covers like this one of Beirut’s “A Sunday Smile”). The over-punctuated and -precious title suggests Sufjan Stevens, but the track falls pretty squarely in a sweet spot between Animal Collective and Vampire Weekend, and abounds with auditory joys. Listen, and absolutely see him when he’s in town. Tour dates below.

09/09 – Hamden, CT @ The Space*
09/10 – Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street*
09/11 – Boston, MA @ Royale*
09/12 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza*
09/13 – Baltimore, MD @ Baltimore Soundstage*
09/14 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church*
09/17 – Virginia Beach, VA @ The Jewish Mother
09/19 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
09/20 – Charlotte, NC @ Visulite Theatre
09/21 – Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern
09/22 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Altar Bar
09/24 – Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom
09/25 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Calvin College – Ladies Literary Club
09/27 – Cincinnati, OH @ Midpoint Music Festival
09/28 – Urbana, IL @ Pygmalion Festival
09/30 – Knoxville, TN @ Pilot Light^
10/01 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In^
10/02 – Memphis, TN @ The Hi-Tone^
10/03 – Chattanooga, TN @ JJ Bohemia’s^
10/04 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt Club^
* = w/ Elizabeth & the Catapult
^ = w/ Fancy Colors

The limited edition “Philosophize…” 7″ is available via Joyful Noise and the upcoming Kishi Bashi tour.