Asobi Seksu Sighs

There's something very intimate about seeing some of your favorite bands get down and dirty at historical L.A. venue the Troubadour. The sweet odor of sweat and collective passion left behind by all the legends who have come before is like fertilizer to the experience. If you've been there, you know what I mean. This venue is most surely the heart of the L.A. music scene, pumping out all kinds of human expression to the people.

Last Wednesday night I had the privilege of going to see Asobi Seksu at this character driven structure. The exchange of energy at this show was just astounding. New York-based band Brahms opened the show which was a purely unexpected surprise, unexpected to me only because I had not been familiar with the band before seeing them live. It was the perfect band to get the crowd loose and thirsty for more. Judging from their merch line after the show I'm pretty damn sure Brahms earned themselves some new fans that night with their utterly raw performance.

Once Asobi Seksu got on stage, they were ear-ringing, ball-tickling amazing. Yuki Chikudate and James Hana played hits like "Strawberries," and "Thursday" which everyone seemed elated about and made for a well rounded setlist.  "Trails," "Leave The Drummer Out There" and "Sighs" were some personal favorites that were played off of the new album, FLuorescence.

Yuki could shave the fuzz off of a peach with her voice. Her vocal sound is the very essence of femininity -- a sharp delicate, sexy coo. She uses it as her instrument to lure you into a give and take dance of blissful seduction.

Hana owns it on the guitar. Watching him play was quite brilliant; I was able to see how he adds his own style and element to the music. He could most likely shred steel with his guitar, all the while making it look easy. Hana brings the hard to Yuki's soft, the darkness to her flame, the masculinity to balance her femine essence. I've said it before, but the dichotomy of this band is truly unique. Watching it come to life is what makes the experience of live music so entertaining.

This was a good fucking show. If you like this band put their live shows on your radar. Check out some more pictures from the show below.

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