Asobi Seksu (colloquial Japanese for “playful sex”) released its self-titled debut album in 2004 to significant critical acclaim, winning rave reviews from the New York Times, Nylon, Under the Radar, YRB, and XLR8R; garnering a top ten spot on CMJ’s radio charts; and becoming an instant favorite in the New York City scene, playing packed shows at the Bowery Ballroom, Knitting Factory, and Mercury Lounge.
For its second album, Citrus (2006), the result was tremendous: a powerful, sweeping album, in both English and Japanese, which showcased Yuki and James’ ever-growing songwriting skills. Citrus expanded Asobi Seksu’s fan base all over the United States, and into Europe, Japan, Australia, Korea and Mexico.
James and Yuki once again enlisted the skills of producer Chris Zane for their third EP. After eight weeks in the studio together, the band emerged with another exceptional piece of work. Asobi Seksu have always been masters at creating musical textures; gauzy, cloudy dreamscapes for their slower songs and squalls of guitar and daisy-chained effect pedals for their barnstormers. What truly distinguishes them is that the band has now married this ability to a finely honed pop sensibility. The songs they write aren’t just “pretty,” they’re melodically rich and incredibly catchy.
AITA Exclusives:
• VIDEOS: Asobi Seksu Live Session Clips and Interview at the Art in the Age Store
• Tour Doodle Tee for Men and Women designed by James and Yuki of Asobi Seksu
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