Hailing from South-West England, the alt-indie four-piece band Adult Leisure introduces listeners to a new chapter of their artistry as they unveil their second EP, the 4-track “Present State of Joy and Grief.” The release follows their debut EP, “The Weekend Ritual,” out in December 2022, which opened doors for the Bristol-based band to score a series of concerts all around the UK this summer. In this new project, we see Adult Leisure exploring the depths of the human experience, looking at unhealthy relationships, heartbreak, loss, change, and self-reflection as source material for their heartfelt lyrics.
“When we began working on what would become Present State, we set out to create a cohesive body of work that felt true to the band we are now and the place that we’re at in our lives,” the band comments on the release. “Lathered in waves of self-reflection and acceptance of life’s heavy hands, our sophomore EP is drenched in honesty, whilst full of groove and fury in equal measure.”
The band’s tight musicianship and cohesive sound create a sonic landscape that feels both familiar and refreshingly innovative within the alt-indie genre. Adult Leisure’s signature sound, characterized by glistening, jangly guitar lines and disco beats, takes center stage in this EP, as we see the band creating a body of work that captures the essence of their current musical identity and translates their artistic growth. From start to finish, the album is a masterclass in dynamic songwriting, seamlessly blending gritty guitar riffs with introspective lyrics that resonate on a deeply personal level.
The opening track, “All For You,” sets the temperature of the record with its pulsating, upbeat, and almost hectic first seconds, mixing intoxicating guitar riffs while exploring the gritty edge of the genre. The energy stays high with “You Weren’t There When I Needed”, a beautiful showcase of the band’s mastery as songwriters, and we dance to “All Our Days Are Now So Quiet”. The last track, “Bad Idea”, was launched in June when we first got a taste of the EP. Sonically, the track is a powerhouse and likely the crowd-craze for live performances to come, with anthemic choruses and infectious hooks, showcasing the band’s ability to craft heavy sounds.
It’s easy to say that “Present State of Joy and Grief” is a remarkable chapter for Adult Leisure and one that establishes them as one of the most exciting alt-indie bands to watch out for on British grounds.
Listen to “Present State of Joy and Grief”…