Album Review: LEISURE – Leisurevision

LEISURE’s newest album, Leisurevision, showcases a new mature sound, blending nostalgic elements of their predecessors with fresh, innovative, harmonies. This collective mix serves as a thoughtful and calming journey through the band’s evolving soundscape.

The album opens with “Always,” an embodiment of LEISURE’s signature musical harmony, subtly setting the stage for the diverse journey ahead. It serves as an welcoming invitation into Leisurevision, with its subtle reminiscence of the New Zealand supergroup’s inaugural sounds.

Next up, “Still Rolling” serves as an early burst of refreshment in the album, offering sunny, vibrant, vibes that contrast nicely with the fall album release. This seasonal contradiction, however, aligns seamlessly with the overall theme of the album: Peace.

With “Flame”, the track marks the band’s innovative exploration. This song, with its adventurous infusion of delay effects and feedback automation, delivers as a refreshing deviation, adding a layer of intrigue to the album’s overall cohesive sound.

“Back In Love” brings listeners on a reflective journey back to the tranquil and soothing vibes of LEISURE’s debut. It showcases a more polished and mature evolution of their original sound, underscoring the band’s developed musical intuition. While “All The Good Times Never Die (feat. Night Tapes)” and “Last Dance” infuse the album with positivity and dancefloor energy.

Listen to LEISURE’s “All The Good Times Never Die (featuring Night Tapes)” below

“Rescue Me” further explores new sonic territories for the quintet, showing the band’s ability to blend different sounds and themes. While the subsequent tracks, “Above Me,” “Too Much,” and “Level,” beautifully weave the themes of hope, overwhelming responsibilities, and contentment, each adding a unique strand to the album’s intricate symphonic fabric.

To close out Leisurevision, “Summer Season” and “Mellow” encapsulate the album’s essence with their relaxing and harmonious tones, creating a serene conclusion to LEISURE’s fourth studio album.

Leisurevision is a reflection of LEISURE’s continued journey and their dedication to trying new things. Although it might lack the instantly catchy, mainstream appeal of tracks from their previous album releases, Leisurevision demands to be experienced in its entirety, from the first note to the last. It’s not just an album; it’s a representation of their growth, innovation, and musical maturity.

Leisurevision is out now via Nettwerk. For more information on LEISURE, visit their website here.