ASOBI SEKSU - Strawberries (Single)
November may seem an odd month to release a single dedicated to a light and summery fruit, but as global warming continues to mangle our seasons it seems strangely apt in the warm autumn sunshine. A cover sleeve full of bright, inviting colour suggests that this is going to be that most presumptive of terms: 'Feel-good'. Can't wait...
I was right (but in a good way). 'Strawberries' starts with a delightful jangle of guitar that Johnny Marr would be proud of. When coupled with the gorgeously girly, floaty vocals of Japanese singer Yuki this is a match made in indie heaven. Swirls of keyboard give a blissed out, hazy and flowery atmosphere which could go on forever were it not rudely but timely interrupted by a crash of guitar and drums like an ice cold shower. You have no idea what she's singing but it doesn't matter in the slightest, the sweet poppy melody canceling out any malignancy the lyrics may contain.
The song climaxes strangely with an outro that, with its more direct and heavier tendencies bears no relation to the rest of the song. However, like a rain cloud at a picnic, is not out of place.
Peace, Love and Harmony maybe in this world after all...