Fluorescence

The production on 2011’s Fluorescence shifts from the shoegaze aggression of their earlier albums for a tighter focus on singer Yuki Chikudate. Her vocals are moved ahead of the guitar and keyboard swirls, turning the usually agitated ambience into a decisive pop move. It’s still pretty difficult to discern if Chikudate’s singing in Japanese or a breathy English in many spots. The emotional outpourings are in a universal language. Her falsetto during “In My Head” sounds like an angel floating in the clouds. “Deep Weird Sleep” throws up blasts of technologically enhanced instrumental work, while “Counterglow” brings guitarist James Hanna to the forefront for a rhythmically challenging trip. The easeful textures and splendid melody of “Ocean” make for a most rewarding and accessible moment. “Trance Out” layers the vocals atop an electronic symphony. “Perfectly Crystal” sends the band into the disco. The Deluxe Edition includes a remix of “Trails” that’s pretty severe, and the bonus cut “All Around” that digs even deeper into the breezy pop arena.