Asobi Secsu - Hush

Ahh, another super melodic, post-rock, avantly anti-structuralist ethereal indie band. Asobi Seksu were once called Sportfuck. I like that name more, but to justify it they'd need to be a ball-stapling post-hardcore version of Hurrah Torpedo. Instead they are pretty well characterized as "dream pop." Sort of vaguely danceable beats are dreamily sung over by Yuki Chikudate, the lead singer for the most part. Even when she isnt doing lead vocals the singing is very ethereal. The music is fast enough to keep things interesting, but only just. The production values are slick, but that works pretty well here. Kind of like if Polyphonic Spree smoked a ton of weed and then acted as a backing band for the Vienna boy's choir. Or if Enya got lost and became interesting and listenable.

Oh god, why did I say that? Why did that happen? I was kind of really enjoying this but now, I dunno. That's maybe a bit far. I am super addicted to indie, but if I just like anything I hear that is played even half competently do I have any taste at all? what is the point of even doing these reviews if I like someone that reminds me of Enya? I mean, this is fun and enjoyable, but even Enya had that one fun song. But actually choosing to listen to Enya? Is that where indie is going?

Jesus its true. Ever since rock slipped, sad and pathetic in its rap-rock masturbatory explosions, and became enmeshed in self congratulatory artistic endeavors, that indie, awesome as it is, was going to lead us down the path that has already been tread by Jazz and classical. Popularity left behind, all that’s left is pretentious subcultural appreciation by people who never abandon the trappings of their youth culture long after they enter the workforce and begin to droop.

BUT WHAT CAN WE DO? Asobi Seksu are really good. Much like those other indie gods, Polyphonic Spree, they have an attractively persistent earnestness, dreamy tonality, and unmistakable talent that is nonetheless usually hidden under music that has the texture of fluffy white clouds. There are a few tracks that break this mold, and I am informed that their earlier work was more of a shoe gaze kind of thing. I also have to say, as an album this is very good. the songs have an order and a purpose that builds intensity and actually builds you interest as it goes on. this kind of attention to how the album as a whole hangs together is wonderful to see in the kids these days.

gah! This is where we are going, folks. We have gotten to the point as a subculture where I really like something that also reminds me of Enya. We are fucking boned. Might as well just start sleeping with your secretaries and dabbling with increasingly fear driven politics. Invest in a girdle for your man boobs and long hair. The end is neigh.