I know it’s a bit early to start raving about a band that’s playing in November but sleepily listening to Asobi Seksu this morning on the bus into work gave me some sort of sense of urgency to tell more people about this great bronx four-piece. Their name means ’playful sex’ in colloquial Japanese, that’s enough to catch my attention… 

Asobi Seksu seem to be taking lessons from Kevin Shields in late 80’s Noise Pop and boy are they fast learners. I’m always a bit apprehensive when I hear the word “revival” been thrown around by music critics but this time I’m all for a shoe-gaze revival if it comes in the form of Asobi Seksu.

The perky high pitched vocals of lead singer Yuki Chikudate is reminescent of Deerhoof’s Satomi and combines to dramatic effect with the layering of peddle heavy guitars, close to the signature sound of My Bloody Valentine. Although they somewhat emulate this sound, Asobi Seksu songs are far more accessable and are a joy to listen to. ‘Walk on the moon’ from their self-titled first album and songs ‘Thursday‘ and ‘Red Sea’ , from their latest release Citrus are definately some standout tunes that are worth a listen.

October is a month jam packed with deadly gigs so you might be a bit worn out but If you want to catch some nice melodic noise pop head along to see them in Crawdaddy on November 25th, it’s a bargain at only €14.

Brendan McGuirk is the editor of Analogue, and former Chair of Trinity FM.
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