More about: The Bright Light Social Hour

Two seconds in and you know you are in for a fun time on The Bright Light Social Hour’s new album ‘Emergency Leisure’. Described by Vice as “transportive… like you’re floating off to a galaxy far, far away,” this is one of the most imaginative, high energy and exciting albums of the summer.

“On the precipice of pandemic, we embarked on a tour that would eventually see the departure of two band members and a near-total pause of our careers,” said the band speaking about the new record, “but in the midst of our confusion and before the curtains dropped, we had a cosmic night at Bar L’Escogriffe in Montreal. After our set, we set aside years of struggle and quite simply learned to dance the night away.” 

That explains the overall theme of this album. There are plenty of different subjects explored which range from happy to sad, but movement and energy seems to be at the centre of it all, there is a two-step in heartbreak here, and it’s something truly awe-inspiring to listen to.

One of the biggest tracks and centrepieces of the album is the single ‘Lifers Only’ which has cool guitar licks and an ongoing and unrelenting bassline paired with onerous synth. The harmonies which are displayed throughout the track, throughout the album, just add to the fantastic atmosphere which is created as well.

“It’s about accepting that you’re doomed to a life of music,” said bass and vocalist Jackie O’Brien, “when my daughter was born it unlocked a level of love I didn’t think was possible, and that love extended to music. I questioned whether continuing life as a musician would be selfish, but realised the best thing I can do for her is follow my passion, to show her what happiness and fulfilment look like. Giving yourself up to love is SO scary, but for a lifer, there’s no fighting it.”

Check out the new album ‘Emergency Leisure’ now!

Grab your copy of the Gigwise print magazine here.

More about: The Bright Light Social Hour