Leisurehive is a London based band that has signed on John Murphy's label, Operative Records. And John
Murphy, who doesn't have his ears in his pockets, has not been mistaken. Spasm is one of those records
that grab your guts on the first listen and does not let go. This is my opinion of course, but as I have
noblely venerated the bittersweet melodies of That Petrol Emotion for a long time, and I rediscover in
Leisurehive the same strength, the same urgency, the same razor edge emotion, I have the impression of
living a rebirth, a reincarnation. Even more so since Daniel Knowler tone of voice sounds strangely similar
to Steve from the defunct That Petrol Emotion. The music is just slightly more nervous and closer to the
industrial-folk roots with some repetitive and heady sequences. One also thinks of the first vinyl
recordings of the Cranes, with that bitter and hard sound, emerging from the innards of post-punk and
engulfing the mesh of industrial. A powerful, organic music comparable to the Young Gods playing with real
guitars. A perfect instrumentation, which apart from guitars, bass and percussions also includes a violin
and samples. The band is well known for their remarkably intense performances, which also stand out on
this marvellous album. Between tenacious nostalgia and traditional avant-guard.
Strongly recommended !!
Stéphane F.
Summer 2002
Contact :
e-mail : leisurehive@hotmail.com
web : http://www.geocities.com/leisurehive
Label :
Operative Records
Web : http://www.operative-records.co.uk