My first encounter with Asobi Seksu wasn't exactly direct, nor was it particularly favorable. Sitting with my legs crossed on a none-too-clean couch, talking to a hardcore show promoter, and most likely listening to Failure or Quicksand at an earsplitting volume (the host had an affinity for such things), I realized that an acquaintance of mine had taken to careening around the room and announcing the same two words over and over. Problem was, I couldn't quite make it out. Like I said, shit was loud. I did, however, gauge the reaction of those who caught his message, and the responses generally ranged from raised eyebrows to, in extreme cases, running in the other direction. The Acquaintance had made a name for himself at the last gathering by prompting the purchase of a new couch cushion, for reasons unknown to me, but I had a feeling they were in the category of "unpleasant." His mere presence tonight was obviously questionable, and the fact that he was seemingly trying to spread some sort of gospel was not going over very well. Finally, I pulled The Acquaintance aside and said, "Dude. You're like, two proclamations away from a head-first ejection. What's your problem?" He looked at me wildly and exclaimed "ASOBI SEKSU! ASOBI SEKSU! THESE FUCKERS. NEED. TO LISTEN TO ASOBI SEKSU. WHY ISN'T ANYONE LISTENING? THEY KEEP TALKING ABOUT THE NEW HARVEY MILK, AND I AM JUST TIRED OF IT. YOU HEAR ME? TIRED OF IT."
In related news, Asobi Seksu have signed to Polyvinyl Records, home to other artists like of Montreal, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, Joan of Arc, and XBXRX (who may also inspire the disturbing brand of exuberance described above). The New York-based shoegaze enthusiasts have been sharing their ethereal, sunny sound with the rest of the world for the past two years, and as a homecoming gift, their third studio album will be recorded this summer under the care of Polyvinyl, which suits them just fine. Asobi Seksu were previously recording with Friendly Fire, while One Little Indian will keep their overseas duties.
Guitarist and songwriter James Hanna: Homecoming gift #2: 2006's Citrus will be reissued on Polyvinyl as well, most likely bearing the label's signature meticulous packaging and detail. “I couldn't be happier to be working with Polyvinyl. They are such a well-respected label and have a great sense of post-punk, DIY ethics. Yuki [Chikudate] and I are both huge record junkies, so the fact that they are super into high-quality vinyl releases with such creative packaging is exciting." Polyvinyl co-owner Matt Lunsford is obviously really fucking upset about signing this shitty band, saying, ““We have been enamored with Asobi Seksu for a long time, but seeing them play live was an epiphany. I felt like I might need to peel myself off the wall after their set." Ooh... something tells me he and The Acquaintance should hang out.
