stereoactivenyc

Review: Asobi Seksu - Citrus

Asobi Seksu is a band known for their big, opulent sound. In fact, their live show offers the surprising revelation that such a sizable sound can emanate from only four musicians. Yet further surprise comes from the poignant realization that such a large fraction of that sizable sound emanates from the not-so-sizable Yuki, the petite frontwoman with the golden-honey chords. With their new album, Citrus, none of that is lost, but there is further realization to be made as there has been an evolution in the way Yuki’s vocals interact with the rest of the band’s sound – most notably, and prominently, James Hanna’s droning guitar.

On their self-titled 2004 debut, the band was at its best when juxtaposing Yuki’s understated, wistful voice against thick, heavy walls of sound. The contrast that resulted from the tangled sounds was a unique aural fix not easily duplicated.

With such a successful and proven approach in their arsenal – especially one so adored by critics – it would be less than shocking for their new release to simply replicate or repeat the offering. To do so wouldn’t make them the first band to adhere to the adage of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But, in the end, it wasn’t broke, they fixed it anyway, and all the better for it.

Where once the vocals and other instruments seemed to duel, they now blend on Citrus. In effect, the vocals are now incorporated into the wall of sound, rather than standing in separate contrast. And the result this approach brings about is not the loss of coherence perhaps expected. Instead, the vocals now draw all attention further into the song – like a mystery to be solved.

Much has already been said elsewhere about the influence of My Bloody Valentine on the band, and while virtually indisputable, it has never been a handicap for them. They have never been a MBV clone, partially because of the way they have incorporated other sounds into the familiar shoegazing style they so whole-heartedly and genuinely embrace. Listening to Citrus, it is hard to ignore the clear presence of an early Sixties girl band style — bouncy rhythm section, coy and sexy vocals, and a slight air of broken-heartedness all included. Again, the key is blending: they don’t simply bounce between styles from song to song — they add the styles together to form new combinations that they make their own.

Citrus is an album made by a band with a stunning confidence in their sound and abilities as musicians. The results show their self-confidence to be well-founded.

The album was released May 30th from Friendly Fire. The band celebrates the release tonight at Joe’s Pub.

mp3: “New Years”

mp3: “Thursday”