Review: Asobi Seksu, "Rewolf"

Asobi Seksu

Rewolf

B+

Rewolf, the acoustic adaptations of previously released songs from the band led by Japanese vocalist Yuki Chikudate and guitarist James Hanna, is an enjoyable addition to the group’s earlier, more substantial material. While the structure of the reworked songs remains essentially identical to those on which they are modeled, the instruments and tone have changed completely to create a softer, more ethereal lineup. Accompanied by an ensemble reduced to xylophone and acoustic guitar, the delicate melodies feature airy tinkling and angelic English and Japanese vocals. The fluidity that helps create a cohesive album also renders the distinction between songs a little vague. Rewolf’s consistently beautiful—but lightweight and bordering on repetitive—quality lends itself well to easy listening or napping and amounts to a good album of acoustic renditions.

-- Emma Forster
Host, "Regional Rotations," 2-4 pm Wednesdays on WGTB