HAII USAGI – CD

      Finally I get a chance to really listen to this disc which I’d been unable to do in the past months due to short term work hassles, deaths in the family, and just trying to keep things from going completely downhill.  The debut CD from this local duo is full of catchy high-energy mostly instrumental electronica songs built from a bed of multiple synths, the occasional sample or bass, and live drums.  While the format is nothing new, Haii Usagi approaches it with an emphasis on songcraft, focusing on the hook rather than the tracks being simply a groove you can dance to.  They also manage to hint at a number of style from rock to ambient while staying true to their electronic vision.  I know some of the more punk than thou types may find problems with Haii Usagi’s sound, but for those willing to open their minds you’ll find a group who manages to make their own vision of what the genre should be and proves that not all electronic dance music has to sound generic.  (BOONE)

(myspace.com/haiiusagi)