After a recommendation*, I listened to Asobi Seksu’s 2004 self-titled release. What I heard impressed me quite a bit. Asobi Seksu isn’t your typical American shoegaze rock band.

The band’s frontwoman Yuki, is Japanese, and it is her sound that seems to distinguish them the most. Yuki offers charming, high vocals to the often mellow, distorted music. Thier self-titled album is suprisingly varied in it’s sound though. Lyrics are both in English and Japanese, songs feel energetic at times while maintaining that ’shoegazing’ vibe.

In all actuality, the rather high female vocals mesh well with grinding guitar. Songs are often chaotic but the smooth vocals bring everything together into something melodic. This works well since Asobi Seksu’s sound seems balanced as a result.

Personal favorite songs include “I’m Happy but You Don’t Like Me”, “Umi de no Jisatsu”, “Walk on the Moon”, and “It’s Too Late”. Each song is quite different but the traits referred to above are maintained. This sort of variety allows the album to always seem familiar while being individualistic at the same time.

Asobi Seksu will drop a new album titled “Citrus” soon and I can’t wait. In the meantime, check them out!

*thanks to Brent for the recommendation!