Ichi

May 6, 2015 2:08 AM

ICHI's song GO GAGAMBO opens with a universally recognisable mosquito hum, then proceeds with a catchy, familiar-sounding bass line, strummed out on a long, thin insect-like home-made instrument, while the vocals are punk-like, small and high-pitched, in the language of the insect itself. It’s a song about mistaken identity - (gagambo is an insect unfortunate enough to be mistaken as a big mosquito, resulting in probable death by angry clapping hands), and it is a clever blend of the familiar and the bizarre.

Videos of live performances are available from Le Cargo and Bandstand Busking.

posted by smcg (5 comments total)

Oh, this is charming. Based in Bristol as well. Thanks smcg - off to share the link and see if anyone around knows this chap.
posted by glasseyes at 3:52 AM on May 6, 2015

His home made instruments remind me of Thomas Truax, who is also an immigrant.
posted by asok at 4:48 AM on May 6, 2015 [1 favorite]

Excellent work. I'm looking forward to his inevitable collaboration with Mulligan and o'Hare.
posted by ZipRibbons at 5:23 AM on May 6, 2015

Ichi is brilliant. The sheer attention to detail in his custom-made instruments/props and the routines he builds around them, and the way he makes it seem effortless, mean that his shows never fail to delight.
posted by acb at 7:14 AM on May 6, 2015

Well, there goes the neighborhood.

(So unique, and compelling.)
posted by Oyéah at 8:07 AM on May 6, 2015