Forge Music says: ****It is probably a reflection on the sad state of my own sorry life that I was more excited to learn about Asobi Seksu’s latest release, Hush, than about the promiscuity from which their Japanese moniker is derived ("casual sex").
Following a disappointing first couple of minutes, and a quick check at the calendar, I was wondering why the band had released what sounded like a sleigh-bells-and-all Christmas album months too late. It seemed that singer Yuki Chikudate’s vocals had lapsed into that of a carolling child.
Happily, the title of the first track ('Layers') is apt and with a little persistence it transforms into the kind of material that one would expect from a band such as Asobi Seksu. My fears are further assuaged by ‘Sing Tomorrow’s Praise’, which highlights their ability to produce indie rock resembling a more successful Howling Bells. The band’s last offering, 2007’s Citrus, was widely regarded as an excellent example of modern shoegaze which managed to sound fresh and fun in an oftentimes stagnated genre. It is clearly apparent that this sound has not been lost: this is Asobi Seksu at their best.
The joyful pop-shoegaze sentiments of ‘In The Sky’ inspire a certain giddy feeling; ‘Risky and Pretty’ serves as a gorgeous interim of ambient synths; ‘Me & Mary’ is accessible and sure to win people over with its fast-pace and delicious noisiness. Give it time to get past the bumpy start and Hush is simply superb. Casual sex? Pfft! Give me Asobi Seksu any day.
Lisa Harrison
photo source: Asobi Seksu, 'Hush' official album artwork
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