Bay area-based R&B group The Seshen is set to grace the Cornerstone stage in Berkeley this Friday. Opening will be LoCura, Space Captain, and DJ Dream Queen.
Characterized by Akiyoshi Ehara’s synthy-disco beats and Lalin St. Juste’s prowling vocals the group creates music that lies somewhere between casual listening and groovy dance floor jams, accented by uniquely layered rhythms. Drummer Chris Thalmann, keyboard/synth player Mahesh Rao, percussionist Mirza Kopelman, and sampler Kumar Butler add to the mix, layering unique sounds ranging from dub to 70’s electronica that would remain otherwise unmatched. Listing greats from Erykah Badu to Radiohead as their influences, The Seshen is impossible to pin down by genre.
The six piece’s latest album, Flames and Figures (2016), demonstrates a major point of growth after their first two EPs, expanding into increasingly feminine and existential lyrics over meditative mixes of drum machines and syncopated live percussion. Critics have said the album “oozes lovely variety,” describing it as both “solidly grounded,” and “otherworldly.”
Better yet, multiple members are Cal grads, making Friday’s show a sort of homecoming for the local Berkeley community. In spirit, The B-Side will be giving away two tickets to the event.
For further show information and to purchase tickets, please visit the Cornerstone website and the Facebook event. For more information about our ticket giveaway, visit our Facebook page.
Written by Veronica Irwin