After the critical success of their 2006 breakthrough , Citrus, Asobi Seksu have tweaked their lush, layered formula on Hush. Much of this new album indulges a colder, more reserved sound that might be described as ambient pop, while still recalling the shimmering shoegaze of Citrus.
The guitar effects-laden wall of sound and iridescent synthesizers are still present, but the bulk of Hush lacks the palpable electricity that drove Citrus. On “Gliss,” an eerie keyboard melody lurks above quiet organs and almost timid drums, creating a sense of cold distance we’ve never seen from the band before. Lead single “Me & Mary” features thick, distorted guitars behind vocalist Yuki Chikumate’s airy crooning, growing into an atmospheric wall of sound that never quite congeals.
Though it still hints at the hazy aural pleasures that characterized their previous work, Hush’s more mature, restrained sound rings a bit hollow for a band known for its joyful, dreamy transcendence. The band may be branching out musically, but in the process they’ve lost a vital part of their identity.
Voice’s Choices:: “Me & Mary,” “Gliss,” “Layers”
