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 . . . .
DOWNLOAD: Asobi Seksu - Layers (MP3) or Follow us for more Asobi Seksu MP3s (Twitter)
Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.
Also, I have yet to pay this venue a visit, is it good spot? good people, good vibe, good atmosphere?
... man, i hope i win some tickets…
by Jaz Bonnin-Aldatz on Thu May 17, 2012 at 12.27 am from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Looking forward to the show. Would love to win some tix for my pals.
by MC Breath on Wed May 16, 2012 at 07.40 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
I’m dying to see him no better place than FETE!!
by Telly on Tue May 15, 2012 at 02.57 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Sound does matter. Viva Le Fete!
by Auquanetta on Tue May 15, 2012 at 01.13 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
YES! i MUST go to this show! i was just strollin down the street the other day and saw the poster! SO stoked they’ll be in town.
by Jaz on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.30 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Fete Forever!!
by Tabitha on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.08 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Congratulations and thank you to Fete for bringing talent to Providence! We needed this venue and vibe. Bless.
oh and I’d love to win tickets; its my boyfriends bday:D
by Ellen on Mon May 14, 2012 at 07.23 am from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
