Leftfield announce new album “This Is What We Do”, out December 2nd
Leftfield, one of the UK’s most revered and innovative dance acts, officially announced their first album in seven years, “This Is What We Do” and have released a new track entitled “PULSE”.
Formed in 1988, Leftfield quickly became one of the most influential and innovative dance music acts of all time. Originally comprised of Neil Barnes and Paul Daley, Leftfield’s legendary live performances paired with seminal albums, 1995s “Leftism” and 1999s “Rhythm & Stealth” (both Mercury Music Prize nominees), solidified their position as true pioneers.
The group then went on a hiatus in 2002 before returning in 2010 for live appearances (now led solely by Barnes). 2015’s “Alternative Light Source” was the first Leftfield album in sixteen years. In 2017 the band reissued their classic album “Leftism”, remastering the original 11 tracks of the record and releasing 11 remixes. They then embarked on a special sold-out tour in support of the reissue, playing Leftism in its entirety. Now, in 2022 they return with the forthcoming album “This Is What We Do”.
“This Is What We Do” is Leftfield’s first album of new music since 2015’s acclaimed “Alternative Light Source”, and is set to be released via Virgin Records on December 2. The album was crafted with long-time studio and mix engineer Adam Wren and features guest contributions from Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten, Lemn Sissay and more. The album cover is a shot taken by lauded photographer Steve McCurry, whose work includes the celebrated photograph Afghan Girl. This cover image is a marked departure from previous Leftfield album imagery, chosen to reflect the warmth and positivity of the album and to celebrate the connections we make with others throughout our lives.
“This Is What We Do”, is an eclectic long-player that embodies the core optimistic ethos of the iconic dance music act. Exploring themes around love, acceptance, diversity and healing, the album was written before and after two extremely challenging and transformative periods in the life of Leftfield’s Neil Barnes. The global pandemic, and his own personal health crisis, both have a direct impact on the creative process, with his own drive to heal childhood trauma as a backdrop. As a result, the new LP is a rich, vibrant, positive and potent cocktail of incendiary cuts that epitomise Leftfield’s uncompromising approach to dance music. Tapping into the roots of the culture – subversive, radical, progressive and inclusive – “This Is What We Do” is a positive and powerful record that addresses personal themes which also reflect our current global experience.
“PULSE” immediately captures the vitality of “This Is What We Do”: a thrilling, tactile take on dance music that sees Leftfield continuing to find new territories to break into, more than 30 years into their career. An oscillating bass line acts as a focal point throughout the track as every element of the track shifts around it; the breakbeat warps and stretches as more layers are added, with the central pulse remaining the only constant element. The release is complemented by a mind-expanding visual that pairs the track with a hedonistic rave aesthetic.
Speaking of the song Barnes says, ‘I wanted “Pulse” to be the first statement from the new album. It felt strong. Dance floor. Human. Positive. And I love the bass. It’s Leftfield.’
