Definitely Not S.A.D

Let's be honest, this isn't exactly the most wonderful time of year. There's a chill in the air that doesn't yet hold that familiar festive excitement of winters past- more misery than merriment. The night engulfs us with an ever increasing vehemence and it's not even acceptable to be humming Fairytale of New York yet for fear of eternal ridicule.

Isn't November great?

However, there is a somewhat hazy light in the darkness in the shape of electro titans Asobi Seksu.

This is 3 minutes and 49 seconds of trippy, cathartic beauty. The song just screams summer and takes us back to the good old days when we actually saw the sun for more than half an hour and didn't have to dress like the Michelin Man everytime we ventured to the shops. The melody is gorgeous and has more than a hint of self-indulgence, (Yuki Chikudate's light and airy vocals make this track what it is, sends shivers down my spine) making this a very welcome antidote to the rather stodgy, heavy music that finds itself in the mainstream charts at the moment.

The video is also a perfect fit and makes one feel a certain sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of many a lazy sunny afternoon spent wandering through fields of wildflowers and blossom.. or at least a muddy field full of thousands of sweaty festival folk. Same diff.

In terms of their previous stuff Transparence is very laidback which I think works quite well for them, allowing the vocals to truly shine. I for one definitely prefer this calmer, more pensive side to Asobi Seksu.

What do you think?

Where's the Support?

We've all been there. You've had the week from hell, stacks of work to do and everyone you know is pissing you off. So, in an attempt to cheer yourself up you book tickets to see the gig you've been dying to go to all year. After weeks, months even of waiting, that fateful day arrives and you're buzzing with anticipation for the moment the beloved headliners grace the stage.



But then..



What's this? Some small, obscure band whose name you can't even pronounce sidles onto the stage and starts playing tracks swallowed by synths and bizarre vocals that conjure up images of dying kittens. What do you do?






I recently ran a poll asking if there was any actual love for the support band. The answer, a resounding no, seemed to confirm my suspicions. People, it seems, just don't care about the opening act. 'I paid good money to see the headliners' I hear you cry; 'Why would I want to hear some band I've never heard of, they're just wasting my time.' Well, maybe because, for all we know, that small obscure band being attacked by synths could be the next big thing.



Today's support act is tomorrow's stadium act.



A couple of years ago my parents went to see Stellastarr * perform, with some quaint American band known as The Killers. Now, can you tell me for a brownie point, where are Stellastarr now, and what have The Killers been up to recently? With a new NME cover (out tomorrow) to add the heap of other magazine articles and hundreds of festival appearances, it seems to toil of being a support band paid off.



Also, whatever happened to just having a good time and trying something new? It saddens me that, in an age where new music is only a Myspace search away, it appears that not many are actually taking advantage of having it right there in front of them. I've been to many 'a gig recently, (purely research of course) and when observing the crowd during the support act, most of the crowd stood, cross armed and bored, whilst large portions oft he crowd hadn't even bothered turning up yet!



Surely, in these times of economic turmoil you want to get as much out of your tenner as possible, rather than just an hour's set from the big guys? The only exception to the rule I've noticed was at an electro gig, with Asobi Seksu (pictured) supporting the magnificent Ladytron. I'd almost given up hope on a supportive crowd but, lo and behold, the NYC band actually got people moving. But then, taking a second glance at the crowd, you can see why. Most of those here tonight are gig veterans, not some indie/scene kids who think they're 'too cool' to listen to more underground bands.



Trust me, you ain't.



So, if you've gleaned anything from my rant, let it be that support bands can make you feel as giddy as any headlining band could. The next time you see that small, obscure band shuffle onto the stage, dance like a madman and give the new kids a chance.



What are your support act experiences? Let me know, the weirder the better.