Even now, I am still a little deaf. Asobi Seksu packed a mean punch to my already abused eardrums as they performed on Tuesday night to a small but attentive crowd at Chop Suey. I have been to many shows but this will definitely be remembered as one of the loudest.
But before the process of hearing loss commenced, I noticed that the members of Asobi Seksu looked rather tired as they set up their equipment, and they had good reason. Lead singer Yuki Chikudate told the audience that they had been traveling for three days straight and through two snow storms in order to get to Seattle. Apparently, they had been stuck together a little too long and were happy to finally be on the West Coast.
But as soon as Asobi Seksu started playing, they seemed to get a little more energy and the crowd moved tighter together and closer to the stage. Even though I could barely see her over her mic, it was dainty and pretty Chikudate that commanded the attention. Wearing ripped nylons and a leather jacket, one could tell she likes to be a little tough, though what comes from her vocal chords is anything but. Just like Chikudate’s appearance, Asobi Seksu’s overall sound is also a bit intriguing. Chikudate’s vocal style on the latest album, Hush, reminds me of Lykke Li’s pure and melancholy style. However, while Lykke Li’s voice remains the centerpiece of her live performance, Chikudate’s fragile vocals tended to get a drowned out from the loud rock of her bandmates. Unlike their wistful album, their live sound is much more hard rock, which is exciting to experience but also a little jarring. Whether this was their intention or just a fact of the club’s acoustics is hard to say. My personal favorites—"Me and Mary” and “Familiar Light"—were played brilliantly but at a feverish pace. The regular use of strobe lights also made the whole set a little overwhelming.
To end the night, Yuki Chikudate took over the drums and led everyone in a quick yet deafening jam session and even though well played, it was a little bit of a relief to walk out onto the cold, silent street. Maybe that long road trip provoked a little more aggression than usual . . . .
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Oh I see. I was wondering if you were talking about the picture. Really glad you liked it. Have you checked her out yet?
by Colin on Sun Mar 14, 2010 at 02.29 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
yes! The interview is great, and the photo shows off the glow
by Ian on Sun Mar 14, 2010 at 01.29 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
Great post! Really digging the new record a lot. The Rainwater LP has some gorgeous moments - definitely recommend checking it out. There are 3 of the new songs up on the myspace page: myspace.com/citizencope
by MattKlomp on Sun Mar 14, 2010 at 03.16 am from the entry: Citizen Cope - Paradise Theater (Boston, MA; Feb. 27, 2010 )
haha is that a compliment?
by colin on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 06.49 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
love that melophobe has more “couples” reviewers, and more “Ian/Ion/Ian/Iain” than the average site…
by Ian on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 06.48 pm from the entry: sevendust + drowning pool + digital summer + the flood - showbox market (seattle, WA; Mar 07, 2010
you’re positively glowing in this interview, Colin
by Ian on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 06.46 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
Hey Merseilles did a live web show at sonicbirds office gig on Friday that was pretty spectacular. Can anyone find a copy of that?
by Smallweed on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 11.40 am from the entry: SXSW Send Off Show - Visqueen + Hey Marseilles - Neumos (Seattle, WA; Mar. 5, 2010)
