Asobi Seksu

Asobi Seksu (colloquial Japanese for "playful sex") 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 the band now, though, is that they have now married this ability to a finely honed pop sensibility. The songs here aren't just "pretty," they're melodically rich and incredibly catchy. As this captivating live show attests, Asobi Seksu have outgrown the comparisons to My Bloody Valentine and Lush, and have finally realized their potential.

Asobi Seksu released its debut album in 2004 to significant critical acclaim, winning rave reviews from the New York Times, Nylon, Under the Radar, YRB, and XLR8R, among others; scoring a #1 video on mtvU's Dean's List with the song "Walk on the Moon;" garnering a top ten spot on CMJ's radio charts; and becoming an instant favorite in the NYC scene, playing packed shows at the Bowery, Knitting Factory, and Mercury Lounge. For its second album, "Citrus," the band regrouped with a new rhythm section and producer Chris Zane (Les Savy Fav, Calla, the Cloud Room). The result is tremendous: a powerful, sweeping album, sung in both English and Japanese, that showcases Yuki and James' ever-growing songwriting skills. Now, with "at the Echo October 6th, 2006," the band's unbelievable live performances have been captured for all to enjoy.