Brainchild of singer/songwriter and guitarist Neil Hemming
and multi-instrumentasist Christian Hardy, The Leisure Society
would appear to have been compared with more than a handful of
American bands who share a common thread in incorporating
complex vocal harmonies in their compositions.
Just like a Cox's Orange Pippin, however, I cannot but
help feel that this fine ensemble is English to the core.
The combined release of new collection 'The Sleeper' with
EP 'A Product Of The Ego Drain' is cause for celebration.
This collection of 19 songs (including a curiously
addictive cover of Gary Numan's 'Cars') is a finely
constructed tapestry of musical treasures.
'The Last Of The Melting Snow', with its limpid string
arrangement and haunting pedal-steel guitar, is easily
one of the lovliest songs I have heard this year.
'The Darkest Place I Know' is a jewelled musical-box
of a composition. Childhood fears and grown-up hopes.
Delightfully ambiguous and utterly magical.
The six minutes of 'A Matter Of Time', a masterly piece of
writing, passes in the blink of an eye. The lyrically erudite
narrative shows considerable insight into love and loss.
The upbeat ending is nicely at odds with its laconic theme.
'Love's Enormous Wings' is just plain charming.
From the EP, the single version of 'Save It For Someone
Who Cares' is a cracking tune. Timelessly uplifting.
The little instrumental 'The Wayfarer'
is another wistful and endearing highlight.
Mr Numan could not have envisaged such a whimsically
wayward interpretation of his 1979 No 1 hit 'Cars' !
The string-saturated arrangement is a complete hoot!
A richly rewarding debut.
Highly Recommended.