The Leisure Society – The Sleeper

Described by both Brian Eno and Elbow front-man Guy Harvey as “beautiful,” England’s The Leisure Society’s new album, The Sleeper, is a wonderful rendition of folk music, drawing comparisons in this reviewers opinion to Fleet Foxes, Mumford & Sons, and Melbourne’s own eight piece The Good China.

Comprised of seven members, The Leisure Society brings an abundance of relentless positivity and endless creation to The Sleeper. A Fighting Chance is a wonderful upbeat opening track, lead vocalist Nick Hemming a shining star on the album. His voice is pure and honest, sounding similar to Robin Pecknold of Seattle band Fleet Foxes.

Title track The Sleeper is an elegant song about needing somebody special in your life and making the most of now. The Last of the Melting Snow is somewhat of a tragic ballad, written by Hemming, who claims it came to be after he “spent New Year’s Eve sitting on the floor with a bottle of vodka, writing ‘The Last of the Melting Snow’” after breaking up with his girlfriend. It’s poetic at times, but overwhelmingly tragic. Yet despite this, it’s also a beautiful song.

A Short Weekend Begins With Longing & We Were Wasted are sombre moments in the album, slowing the tempo down and almost giving the listener time to sit back and take in the full atmosphere of the album. Save It For Someone Who Cares is a wonderful addition to the album, its slow paced mandolin riffs melding with the acoustics to give it a simple, clean finish. Hemming’s vocals compliment this, giving it a slow paced and engaging sound.

The last two tracks on The Sleeper are the best. A Matter of Time displays the capabilities of the whole band, everything from mandolin, to drums, guitar, strings, brass and woodwinds make brief appearances. Loves Enormous Wings, the last song on the album is a wonderfully content approach to the end of the album.

The Leisure Society are simply one of the most beautiful undiscovered gem’s I have come across. In an age of techno loops and remix’s, it’s wonderful to find a band who play every instrument and take the time to perfect each sound. They are one of the more genuine, exciting and awe inspiring discoveries over the last few years. With their perfected dreamlike harmonies and perfectly timed arrangements, The Sleeper is the answer to simple, gorgeous escapism.