Electronic mavericks Leftfield have announced their first album in seven years, This Is What We Do. It’s their first album of new music since 2015’s acclaimed Alternative Light Source, and is set to be released via Virgin Records on 2 December 2022. And as a taster of what’s to come they have released new track ‘Pulse’
The album features guest contributions from Fontaines D.C. frontman Grian Chatten, Lemn Sissay and more. The renowned photographer Steve McCurry, whose work includes the celebrated photograph Afghan Girl, took the album cover shot, which was selected to reflect the warmth and positivity of the album and to celebrate the connections that we make with others throughout our lives.
Exhilarating to read that This Is What We Do is an eclectic album 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 having a direct impact on the creative process, with his own drive to heal childhood trauma as a backdrop. The resulting album is a rich, vibrant, positive and potent cocktail of incendiary cuts that epitomise Leftfield’s uncompromising approach to dance music. Barnes has tapped into the roots of the culture – subversive, radical, progressive and inclusive – and This Is What We Do is a positive and powerful record that addresses personal themes which also reflect our current global experience.
‘Pulse’ is thrilling from the very start, with its oscillating bass line that acts as a focal point throughout. The rave breakbeats weave and warp as more layers are added, with the central pulse remaining the only constant element. The release is complemented by a mind-expanding video 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.”
Welcome back Leftfield. We’ve missed you.
Leftfield’s album This Is What We Do is set to be released via Virgin Records on 2 December 2022.
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