Whenever a new bands surfaces and mines old territory, the naysayers inevitably appear and begin to knock down the current in favor of the past. Not only is comparing the present to past generally unfair and shortsighted, it's also amounts to a display on narrow-mindedness. No, asobi seksu aren't my bloody valentine, slowdive, ride, swervedriver, or any number of other shoegazer bands. Shoegazing hit its peak nearly 15 years ago. Those who hold on to as though it were some holy grail do themselves a disservice by refusing to properly acknowledge a band who has nothing but love for the aforementioned band. Asobi Seksu, a nyc quarted, is a crazily fantastic band. sure, the elements of shoegazing are there, name in the swirling, kaleidoscopic guitars and yuki's occasional Elizabeth-Frasier-esque vocals tics. But yuki owes more of debt to Harriet Wheeler than Elizabeth Frasier. Asobi Seksu is everything that's right about great pop/rock music. Tight, effecient songs, effortless melodies, intricate and interesting musicianship, and enough energy to light a city for weeks. If it seems that asobi seksu is a highly calculated band, nothing could be futher from the truth. Through they do mine familiar shoegazer territory, Asobi Seksu is a highly orginal and exciting band. The first 1/2 of the album is as good as anything i've heard in a LONG time (and i listen to a lot of music). The one-two punch of 'new years' and 'thursday' is as great as anything you'll hear this year. Both are heavy, exciting, i dare say thrilling, tracks. The choruses, particularly 'thursday,' are spine chilling. Sure, Asobi Seksu will make you a bit nostalgic for the days of mbv and slowdive, but they'll also make you excited about the future of music. With a soundtrack like this, how can life be anything but beautiful and wonderful? A really remarkable album.
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