Asobi Seksu - Hush

Hush is third studio album by the NY-based shoegaze group Asobi Seksu (japanese for "casual sex"). The first two albums were more in the vein of MBV styled noisy guitar pop. Then the band shrunk to a duo - Japanese chanteuse Yuki Chikudate and guitarist James Hanna - and grew sick of guitar noise. New album is more centered on atmosphere and melody. The result is more similar to Cocteau Twins, despite how much the critics can see Asobi as the new MBV. For those who regard all neo-gaze bands as mere copies of original shoegazers, Hush won't convince them. Otherwise it is a fine atmospheric dream pop. Softer approach pays off, considering how quickly the possibilities of making noise become exhausted. This new album is certainly less guitar-centric, showcasing instead the tasteful layers of synthesizer. Hush may not be a genuine masterpiece, but it's certainly more masterful than, say Pia Fraus.