•
Rating: Rising to the forefront of the music scene with their second album (Citrus - 2006) as proud champions of the shoegaze renaissance, Asobi Seksu had already debuted in 2004, releasing a self-titled full-length that in reality, did not lean much towards Divian-Valentinian drifts.
What the Brooklyn band presents in this debut, recently reissued by One Little Indian, is a blend of noise-pop tinged with post-rock (or vice versa, as you prefer...) with some space-psychedelic shades that wink, decidedly en passant, to Hawkwind and Tangerine Dream.
It is definitely an album with different facets, which at first, distracted listen may not immediately reveal themselves even to the most attentive ear.
The singing in the native language of the Japanese singer Yuki, alternating and sometimes accompanying (as in the dawning Stay) the seductive voice of guitarist James Hannah, indeed surprises in some tracks; but it's a brief disorientation, and soon one cannot help but dive into the dreamy, melodious, suspended and almost enthralling atmosphere that permeates this first effort by the New York quartet.
The opening track "I'm happy but you don't like me" begins slyly and then flows into a more lively finale, sonically reminiscent of Sunny Day Real Estate.
"Sooner" and "End at the beginning" are decidedly Souvlakian, but they are the only episodes that can relate this album to the next one.
"Walk on the moon" and "It's too late" have a blatantly Mogwai imprint, while influences from early Smashing Pumpkins are especially evident in "Let them Wait".
Of course, there are also more distinctly noisy episodes, such as "Umi de no jisatsu" and "Asobi masho", while the finale (entrusted to "Stay" and "Before we fall") is a clear tribute to my beloved Devics, specifically those of "The stars at Saint Andrea," a fact I admit may have significantly influenced my impartiality (but I hope you'll forgive me).
Definitely a complete work, even mature considering it is a debut. They are certainly not the innovators of the decade, but I find it fair to appreciate those who, without claiming to revolutionize anything, are able to evoke emotions, in this case by skillfully and stylishly revisiting the '90s and creating a mix of certain impact. If you didn't like the second, I highly recommend you consider it.
Light and substantial at the same time, to listen to while you wearily drag yourself home after wandering daily experiences, or for your possible gray and rainy days of meditation.
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
01 I'm Happy but You Don't Like Me (03:07)
Ano kumo o miteru
Kotori ga tounderu
Ureshii kedo kimi wa watashi ga kirai
Futari de koi shite
Tanoshii tokoro e ikitai kedo
Kimi wa dokonimo inai
Naze kietai no
Kimi wa nigeteru no
Naze naze doshite
Kimi ga daisuki, daisuki, daisuki, suki nano ni
translation:
i'm looking at a cloud
a small bird is flying
i'm happy but you don't like me
let's fall in love
i want to go to a fun place but
you aren't around
why do you want to disappear?
why are you running away?
why why why
when i love you love you love you
02 Sooner (03:45)
Don't seem to ever reach you
There's been a few times
I almost woke up in your eyes
Today won't start again, all over
Take off all your
I know you're not open to me
It's been a long time
You never start to see me try
Today won't start again, all over
Take off all your
coco you then believe this
I still don't know why
Why you would keep me off your mind
Today won't start again, all over
Take off all your
Can't seem to ever reach you
There's been a few times
I almost woke up in your eyes
Today won't start again, all over
Take off all your
04 Walk on the Moon (04:33)
I saw the photograph, an image of you
Things have never looked, looked like this
It's never been like this
I'm swimming in gray
I'm just swimming in gray
Let them all walk away, all walk away
So there's no one to blame
They all feel the same
Let them all walk away, all walk away
I'll be left with the shame
You saw the photograph, an image of me
You'll never see me like this
It's never felt like this
I'm swimming in gray
I'm just swimming in gray
Let them all walk away, all walk away
So there's no one to blame
They all feel same
Let them all walk away, all walk away
I'll be left with the shame
05 Let Them Wait (02:47)
Tell your girlfriend what was mine
What you're looking for you won't find
And tell your sister to wait a while
He's been drinking and losing style
If anyone complains, at least my hands are dry
My slate's been wiped clean, and you'll be gone a while
But please be quiet now, the crowd was right
She's investing in a bullet sigh
And tie your loose ends up inside
I'm not joking man, you don't try
If anyone complains, at least my hands are dry
My slate's been wiped clean, and you'll be gone a while
Tell your girlfriend what was mine
What you're looking for you won't find
09 Asobi Masho (01:25)
Japanese:
今日も一緒に遊びましょう x4
遊びましょう x8
今日も一緒に遊びましょう x4
何をしよう x9
English:
Today again let's play together. x4
Let's play together. x8
Today again let's play together. x4
What should we do? x9
Loading comments slowly
