2011 Sounds Great to Our Ears!

A Preview of Upcoming Releases

By Katherine Hoffert, Jodi Root & Val Dee
Published: January 3rd, 2011 | 7:00am

Asobi Seksu
Fluorescence (Polyvinyl)
4.5 stars

Falling somewhere between the bright exuberance of Citrus (Friendly Fire) and the more mature dream pop of Hush (Polyvinyl), the latest album from the Brooklyn shoegazers reflect a fresh curiosity. While James Hanna and Yuki Chikudate still push songs to the brink and reign them in with shimmering beauty, on Fluorescence, they also take more risks and explore proggy song structures, and '60s girl-group heartbreak. Adding new shades to it’s already perfected bridge-chorus transcendence Asobi Seksu produces an album with a strong afterglow. [Katherine Hoffert]

Asobi Seksu official site | MySpace page | Polyvinyl Records

Caroline
Verdugo Hills (Temporary Residence)
4 stars

I’m not sure where Verdugo Hills is, but after one listen to Caroline’s newest record, I definitely want to go there. Dreamy, romantic electro woven pop led by Miss Lufkin’s lush and calming childlike vocals, Verdugo Hills transcends into an oblivion of tinkering chimes, sleek production and happy melodies. [Jodi Root]

Caroline MySpace page | Temporary Residence Limited

Esben and the Witch
Violet Cries (Matador)
4 stars

With a band name a Danish fairy tale where the youngest of twelve brothers becomes an unlikely hero after outsmarting a witch, UK-based Esben and the Witch creates music that matches the feel of its name. On Violet Cries, the experimental rock trio Esben and the Witch offers listeners an intense, mysterious collection of songs offset by bassist/frontwoman Rachel Davies’ floating vocals. [Val Dee]

Esben and the Witch MySpace page | Matador Records

Tristen
Charlatans at the Garden Gate (American Myth)
4 stars

On her latest album, Nashville-based country singer with Chicago roots Tristen Gasapadarek, is sure to capture hearts across America with upbeat, earnest songs that remain in the brain long after the music ends. [Val Dee]

Tristen official site | MySpace page | American Myth Recordings