IN REVIEW
ADULT LEISURE
PRESENT STATE OF JOY AND GRIEF -EP
Reviewer: David Weddle
Bristol indie quartet Adult Leisure have been working hard over the last year to bring you their latest EP, Present State of Joy and Grief, the band's second EP.
The EP kicks off with 'All For You', the second single from the EP, a track that goes from 0 to 60 in the first minute. It's an anthemic track with powerful vocals from Neil Scott, backed up by the instantly recognisable Adult Leisure sound that the band has spent years crafting. There's some pretty awesome bass playing from James Laing, which is subtle but holds the rhythm from start to finish.
The band has clearly spent a long time making sure that the EP sounds like a complete piece of work rather than a collection of individual tracks. There is a tonality in each and every track that binds them all together and gives Present State of Joy and Grief that extra something that keeps the band head and shoulders above their contemporaries.
'You Weren't There When I Needed' showcases the band's willingness to lay themselves open on an emotional level, showing a vulnerability that is endearing and an honesty that is refreshing. There is some great guitar work from David Woolford that is a joy to listen to. 'All Our Days Are Now So Quiet' is a real mix of vocal harmonies with a clap-a-long track that invites you to join in and get involved—a cracking track.
The EP kicks off with 'All For You', the second single from the EP, a track that goes from 0 to 60 in the first minute. It's an anthemic track with powerful vocals from Neil Scott, backed up by the instantly recognisable Adult Leisure sound that the band has spent years crafting. There's some pretty awesome bass playing from James Laing, which is subtle but holds the rhythm from start to finish.
The band has clearly spent a long time making sure that the EP sounds like a complete piece of work rather than a collection of individual tracks. There is a tonality in each and every track that binds them all together and gives Present State of Joy and Grief that extra something that keeps the band head and shoulders above their contemporaries.
'You Weren't There When I Needed' showcases the band's willingness to lay themselves open on an emotional level, showing a vulnerability that is endearing and an honesty that is refreshing. There is some great guitar work from David Woolford that is a joy to listen to. 'All Our Days Are Now So Quiet' is a real mix of vocal harmonies with a clap-a-long track that invites you to join in and get involved—a cracking track.
Live photos: David Weddle @dweddlephotography
Having already released the last track on the EP, 'Bad Idea' back in June, you may already be familiar with their unique, melodic-laden sound. The track was released alongside a stunning video that was filmed and edited by Tom Whitson. The video instigated what I am calling the Bad Idea Dance, which was used as part of the social media campaign around the single and is as entertaining to watch as it is tempting to try. The song is extremely addictive, with a hook that just won't let go. Hats off to drummer Nathan Searle, whose tub thumping has been key to bringing each track together.
'Present State of Joy and Grief' is a must-listen EP from Bristol's finest. Adult Leisure has created something that they should be proud of and that you definitely need to hear. Do yourself a favour and mark the date in your calendar for November 10th, 2023.
'Present State of Joy and Grief' is a must-listen EP from Bristol's finest. Adult Leisure has created something that they should be proud of and that you definitely need to hear. Do yourself a favour and mark the date in your calendar for November 10th, 2023.