Asobi Seksu - Hush

A major departure from 2006's acclaimed Citrus, Hush has a more melodic and softer sound. Asobi Seksu hasn't ditched their familiar shoegaze-friendly layered guitar, but it takes the backseat to lush synthesized arrangements. Without all the distortion vocalist Yuki Chikudate gets a chance to shine, and her ethereal voice carries the album. While the album is certainly dreamlike, there are still standout tracks. "Transparence" is well crafted pop with a subtle steady beat, swelling into a blissful wall of sound toward the song's end. "Me & Mary" is another exceptional track, blending the band's more familiar distorted guitar work with synthesizers. Hush may find older Asobi Seksu fans scratching their head and perhaps desiring more. However, Hush is a carefully planned album and a rewarding listen.