Contributing WriterAustin-based band The Bright Light Social Hour have made a triumphant return with their captivating and electrifying new album, titled “Emergency Leisure”. Comprised of Jackie O’Brien (bass/vocals), Curtis Roush (guitar/vocals), and now joined by Mia Carruthers (keys/vocals), Zac Catanzaro (drums), and Juan Alfredo Ríos (percussion), the band once again showcase their exceptional and infectious melodies, flooded with their distinctive rhythms and high energy.
Focus track, “Lifers Only”, captivates listeners with its persistent tension created by a syncopated bassline, layered with smooth harmonies that beautifully contrast the energetic drums. Jackie says, “It’s about accepting that you’re doomed to a life of music. 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.”
The album takes us on an emotional rollercoaster with experimental tracks like, “Death of a Lifer”, where growling guitars and distorted vocals come together to create a haunting and mesmerising experience.
“Emergency Leisure” presents a diverse sonic landscape, incorporating uplifting tracks infused with disco vibes, such as “Eating Out My Mind” and “Call My Name”. These songs contribute to the album’s dynamic range, evoking a range of emotions and keeping listeners engaged throughout the album’s journey.
Jackie O’Brien spoke about the previous single release, “Most High”, featuring in the album, “My brother (and the band’s longtime manager) passed away in my arms on the shore of Lake Travis. As crazy as it sounds, it was an uncannily beautiful moment. I witnessed the sky opening by way of some monolithic, benevolent, divine force. I was filled with sublime peace and ecstatic joy, deeply humbled in the face of supreme love. Total life affirmed in death.
A heart-breaking, yet warming story behind the track and a consistent wave of emotions that we can feel throughout the project’s songwriting.
The Bright Light Social Hour has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. With four studio albums, including the highly acclaimed “Space Is Still the Place” and “Jude I & II” their sound defies conventions and continues to evolve. Their impressive portfolio includes composing original soundtracks for HBO, MTV, and Nintendo, and they even had the honour of writing and recording the award-winning theme for Amazon’s “Sneaky Pete” at the request of Bryan Cranston. Their reputation for explosive live performances has led them to grace the stages of prestigious festivals like Austin City Limits and Lollapalooza, sharing the spotlight with legendary acts such as Aerosmith, Osees, and The Flaming Lips. The Bright Light Social Hour’s innovative sound has garnered critical acclaim from esteemed publications like CLASH, NPR, The Wild Honey Pie, Earmilk, and many more.
Speaking on the album, the band state:
“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. 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 danced the night away. As Jack and I rebuilt the band in the twilight days of pandemic with new members Zac, Mia, and Alfredo, this night served as our North Star. In our home studio on Lake Travis outside Austin, we forged “Emergency Leisure” to bring this after-hours magic to our dear fans and listeners. We needed the break then, we certainly needed the break during the pandemic years, and we need it now all the same. Come dance the night away with us. We’ve missed you.”
Stream the album release in full HERE
LIVE DATES 2023
July 29 – Carbondale, CO – Mountain Fair
August 4-5 – Ninilchik, AK – Salmonfest Alaska
August 30 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl*
August 31 – Nashville, TN – The Basement*
September 1 – Asheville, NC – The Grey Eagle*
September 2 – Raleigh NC – The Pour House*
September 3 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall*
September 4 – Washington, DC – Songbyrd*
September 7 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live*
September 8 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge*
September 10 – Boston, MA – Sonia*
September 12 – Montreal, QC – Bar Le Ritz
September 13 – Ottawa, ON – Mavericks*
September 14 – Toronto, ON – Adelaide Hall*
September 15 – Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s*
September 16 – Chicago, IL – Schubas*
September 17 – Kansas City, MO – Encore at Uptown Theater*
September 29 – Arlington, TX – Levitt Pavilion %
September 30 – Austin, TX – Mohawk %
October 7 – Mexico City, MX – Bajo Circuito $
October 19 – Santa Fe, NM – Meow Wolf*
October 20 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar*
October 21 – Joshua Tree, CA – Pappy + Harriet’s*
October 24 – San Diego, CA – Voodoo Room @ House of Blues*
October 25 – Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room*
October 26 – Los Angeles, CA – Gold Diggers*
October 27 – Morro Bay, CA – The Siren*
October 28 – San Francisco, CA – Brick & Mortar*
October 29 – Sacramento, CA – The Starlet Room at Harlow’s*
October 31 – Bend, OR – Volcanic Theatre Pub*
November 2 – Portland, OR – Holocene*
November 3 – Seattle, WA – Freakout! Fest
November 4 – Victoria, BC – Victoria Event Center*
November 5 – Vancouver, BC – Biltmore Cabaret*
November 9 – Boise, ID – Neurolux #
November 10 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court #
November 11 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall #
* = with Choses Sauvages
% = with Good Looks
$ = with Vondré
# = with Demob Happy