Now this is different. From America, fronted by a female Japanese singer, Asobi Seksu are a bi-lingual four piece who combine the noisy aesthetic of Sonic Youth with infectious guitar pop. Crossing britpop with shoegazing may sound like a disasterous combination, but actually attains a glorious overall result. The lyrics flit between Japanese and English on a fairly regular basis, initially a little disturbing you get used to it after a few listens.

Every one of the ten tracks on here are worthy of comment, from the wall of distortion that greets you on 'Sooner' to the almost Kenickie-like exhuberance of pop gem 'Umi De No'. For those with an anal knowledge of very small UK guitar bands (like myself) think the poppier moments of both Blusher and Saloon. 'Walk On The Moon' will have the bedroom producers wondering "how did they do that?", whilst the rest of us will simply enjoy the dramatic crashing of aural waves around the windswept beach of self desolation.

Oh yes.

'Let Them Wait' features a similar mood to the aforementioned track, but with a satisfying twist featuring one of the male members on vocal duties. An honourable mention to Stereolab is due on 'Taiyo', who appear to be a prime influence. I hope you're getting the idea by now.

Asobu Seksu are better than good. It's almost unsurprising to find they're based in NYC. How one area can be responsible for so much quality music is completely beyond me. And what's more it's good music that isn't anything like the rest of the imports we've already had here. Thoroughly recommended.