Asobi Seksu's Fluorescence

Having graduated with degrees in music from the Manhattan School of Music it became apparent soon after leaving the institution that the members of Asobi Seksu didn't want to pursue careers in classical music. So, like most out of work musicians, they formed a band. Asobi Seksu has been building momentum ever since. Their latest album, Fluorescence is a return to earth for the band after being engaged in a relentless cycle of touring and everything but recording.

Having had several years to make the follow up to Hush (and Rewolf) Asobi Seksu was allowed to breath and let the wave of hype surrounding them crest and dissipate. This allowed the band to put the pressure of writing a big album behind them and create a record that explored the sounds that they love without the burden of fame hanging over them. As a result, Fluorescence is their relaxed, and beautiful record to date. The songs shimmer and sparkle as they are played and sound as if the Cocteau Twins have taken over their souls.

Lush, ethereal, and really quite good, Fluorescence is as much a shoegazing record as it is a pop album. The band refuses to be pigeonholed as just another revivalist band and songs like, “Leave the Drummer Out There," prove it. Sure they have cascading waves of guitars everywhere, but the band also have enough pop sensibility and maturity about them to know there needs to be a hook in the ether somewhere. And hooks they have. So many songs on Fluorescence almost out Cocteau Twins the Cocteau Twins, because of the fact that Asobi Seksu have that little bit which your brain latches onto and never lets go.

Fluorescence is probably the most beautiful record you'll hear all year. It's orchestrated dream pop shoots for the stars and goes beyond them. This is an otherworldly record and the songs that make it up sound like the songs angels sing. It's touching and stirring stuff with just enough pop to keep things level. I love this record and if you ever found yourself loving records by the Cocteaus, Lush, or Slowdive than you'll rejoice in the sheer beauty of Asobi Seksu's Fluorescence.