Audio Mixer: Chris Zane.

Recording information: Gigantic Studios, New York, NY (2005).

Photographer: Sean McCabe.

This New York City band's second album cements the appeal that put them near the top of the neo-shoegaze heap. The secret is that Asobi Seksu's generous use of effects (reverb, wah, delay, feedback) is not a typical masking device, but rather a complement to great pop craftsmanship and chops. They're not just one of those loud bands that sound cool despite being melody-challenged. Hook-laden high points like "Thursday" and the almost overwhelming "Red Sea" best demonstrate Asobi Seksu's firm grasp of their chosen style. And Yuki Chikudate (who sings in both Japanese and English) is served well by a dense mix that pushes her vocals back into the sonic thick of it.