Asobi Seksu are one of the relatively unknown gems of the thriving New York alternative scene.Their dream-like melodies and hypnotic vocals might sound familiar at first listen ”“ they’re the kind of band likely to feature on trendy TV show soundtracks. Lurking somewhere in the background of the latest episode of Skins or Ugly Betty, they have just the right balance of artistic integrity and underground cool to make them immediately irresistible to a market constantly searching for the discovery of a “new sound”. Rewolf is a small collection of re-worked songs that span the band’s career, resulting from a brief recording stop at London’s Olympic Studios. These newly composed tracks are a slight detour from the usual neo-showgaze of their previously recorded material. Production values and effects have been taken away, along with several band members, leaving vocalist Yuki Chikudate and guitarist James Hanna to deliver haunting, acoustic-driven, blissfully-layered harmonies.A full broken-down technical analysis of the inner-workings of Rewolf seems almost insulting to the beauty of the art which has been created here. To put it poetically, Rewolf drips into the ear note by note like black ink into a glass of water. Subconsciously, it seeps through, consuming the whole body with a blissful lull and sense of peace. For all intents and purposes, this is the aural equivalent of valium.Chikudate boasts an impressive vocal range. At times she comes across as a slightly more subdued Kate Bush, while at others more like an optimistic Chan Marshall. Refreshingly, Chikudate doesn’t feel the need to supplement her voice with physical eccentricities in the same way as, say, Florence Welch.If you’re looking for the next step of the sonic revolution, then this is not it. Rewolf is merely an acoustic album made up of nine re-workings ”“ and an extraordinary 'Hope Sandoval' cover ”“ from a relatively unknown American band. However, if you’re looking for a collection of songs to love, cherish and to call your very own, this could very well be your record of the year.With the guitar effects stripped away, Asobi Seksu are able to highlight the delicate and compassionate songwriting they’re capable of, creating an album which shines, sparkles and shows the band really are a diamond in the rough.Buy the album on Amazon