Asobi Seksu - "Hush"

Addition by subtraction, could be the motto of Asobi Seksu's new album, "Hush", released 2/17 on Polyvinyl Records. They have pared down to a duo and stripped away the layers of guitars and distortion that brought comparisons to My Bloody Valentine to reveal a more lush and atmospheric sound relying on solid songwriting, shimmering keyboards and Yuki's ethereal vocals.

Unlike before Yuki's voice isn't hidden behind a wall of sound, on "Hush" it is almost like another instrument as in the song "In The Sky", her angelic coo is all that is necessary as the song's chorus. Elsewhere Yuki sounds light and beautiful like Elizabeth Fraser of the Cocteau Twins and on "Sing Tomorrow's Praise" she and the music sound like a modern take on the jangly, early 90's indie-pop of Bettie Serveert.

All the while, guitarist, James Hanna creates beautifully violent and hypnotic soundscapes such as the album opener, "Layers" which sets the tone and lives up to its name. Frantic and icy guitars replace the distortion on "Glacially" and "I Can't See" but diehard fans will find the tumbling drums and roaring guitar of "Me And Mary" more to their liking.

Without alienating the fan base built from their past output, Asobi Seksu have created a more complete and melodic album that will push them forward to head of the indie rock class. For more info or to order "Hush", click here: www.polyvinylrecords.com/

Download "Familiar Light" here: http://downloads.pitchforkmedia.com/Asobi%20Seksu%20-%20Familiar%20Light.mp3