One of the last albums ever recorded at London's renowned Olympic Studios (where The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and The Who have all recorded), 'Acoustic At Olympic Studios' finds Asobi Seksu's core duo—vocalist Yuki Chikudate and guitarist James Hanna—affording listeners a fresh take on songs spanning the band's career. Here, Asobi Seksu replaces its sonic layer of guitars with beautiful new arrangements achieved mainly through the use of acoustic instruments.
At the urging of One Little Indian owner Derek Birkett, Asobi Seksu embraced the opportunity to record at Olympic Studios on an off day during its 2008 UK tour, only months before the 50-year old studio closed its doors for good. The end result of this session is the new album, 'Acoustic At Olympic Studios', a collection of songs that re-imagine the texturized dream-pop of the band's three prior full-lengths {February's 'Hush', 'Citrus' (2006) and 'Asobi Seksu' (2004)}. In addition, the album features tracks previously only available as B-sides and a gorgeous cover of Hope Sandoval's (Mazzy Star) "Suzanne."
Later mixed by Billy Pavone (the touring bassist for Asobi Seksu) at his home studio in Brooklyn, 'Acoustic At Olympic Studios' reflects on music from the group's past with an eye toward its future. Although this recording marks a final chapter in the historic studio's legacy, it also turns a new page for Asobi Seksu – one that witnesses the band adding renewed depth to its songwriting.
The White Lies dates are as follows:
18-Nov Bournemouth Academy
19-Nov London @ Brixton Academy
20-Nov London @ Brixton Academy
22-Nov Leeds @ Academy
23-Nov Norwich @ UEA
24-Nov Sheffield @ Academy
25-Nov Nottingham @ Rock City
27-Nov Manchester @ Apollo
28-Nov Glasgow @ Academy
29-Nov Newcastle @ Academy
1-Dec Portsmouth @ Guildhall
2-Dec Bristol @ Academy
4-Dec Cardiff @ University
5-Dec Birmingham @ Academy