Exploring Asunojokei’s "Think of You": A Sonic Journey
A Captivating Introduction
You want to know how to hook me on an opening track? You start with a killer riff and shout “GO!” This is precisely how I felt when I first encountered Asunojokei back in 2022 with their release of Island. Since then, I’ve been eagerly anticipating their latest offering, Think of You. With Island setting a high bar, the question remains: how does Think of You measure up?
A Unique Soundscape
Asunojokei has always been known for their eclectic influences. While Island might be their most straightforward blackgaze album, it also showcased their ability to blend genres. For instance, Awakening featured tech-death elements, while Wishes leaned heavily into post-black metal territory. In contrast, Think of You stands out as a departure from their previous works, presenting a sound that can best be described as blackened J-rock.
The album opens with a vibrant energy, immediately drawing listeners in. The track “Stella” exemplifies this with its disco-inspired chords, creating a catchy hook that lingers long after the song ends. It’s as if the band has taken the essence of city pop and infused it with a distortion pedal, resulting in a fresh and exciting sound.
Instrumentation and Composition
One of the standout features of Think of You is the exceptional instrumentation. Takuya Seki’s fretless bass work adds a layer of depth that enhances the overall listening experience. The opening riff of “Zeppelin” carries an emo energy that resonates deeply, showcasing the band’s versatility.
Asunojokei excels at crafting compelling openings for each track. The first 30 seconds of every song are nothing short of mesmerizing. The synergy between Kei Toriki’s intricate guitar work and Seiya Saito’s driving drums ensures that the momentum never falters. Even during slower passages, the band maintains focus, avoiding the meandering pitfalls that often plague post-rock and metal genres.
Vocal Dynamics
Daiki Nuno’s vocals are another highlight of the album. While his harsh vocals are powerful, there are moments where they feel slightly out of place. Nuno has demonstrated his ability to deliver clean vocals in previous releases, and a greater presence of these could have added even more depth to the album.
However, my only significant critique lies with the track “Dogma.” While not terrible, it feels like a weak link in the album. After the first minute, it lacks the dynamic energy that characterizes the rest of the record. This track, in particular, could have benefited from a cleaner vocal style or a more varied approach to the harsh vocals.
The Joy of Listening
What truly sets Think of You apart is how fun it is to listen to. Even if I weren’t writing this review, I would still find myself playing this album on repeat. Each listen feels rewarding, and the vibrant artwork by Rain Wang complements the music beautifully. The combination of sound and visuals evokes a sense of warmth, akin to sitting on a park bench in winter, reflecting on how everything has somehow worked out.
Final Thoughts
Think of You is a testament to Asunojokei’s growth as artists. With its innovative sound, engaging instrumentation, and infectious energy, the album is sure to remain in heavy rotation for many listeners. It’s a delightful exploration of musical boundaries, showcasing a band that is not afraid to evolve while still staying true to their roots.
Think of You is out now on Bandcamp, and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
