Asobi Seksu

Asobi Seksu couldn’t be a less fitting name for a band that creates such sentimental dream pop (it’s Japanese slang for “casual sex.”) Influenced by the likes of My Bloody Valentine and Mazzy Star, the New York group—usually a duo—employs lush instrumentation, distortion, and breathy vocals on its lovelorn melodies. Backed by James Hanna, singer Yuki Chikudate sings alternately in Japanese and English; there’s an intense yearning in her girlish voice that comes across—even if you can’t translate the lyrics. This evening, the two perform an acoustic set on their albums Citrus and Hush. It should be an intriguing experiment to see, when stripped of heavy studio effects, the songs still hold their charm. (All ages show.) ERIKA HOBART

Related Content

Wed., Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m., 2010