Bristol four-piece Adult Leisure may have started as a lockdown project, but they’ve quickly grown into one of the most exciting new names in post-punk and indie-pop. Known for their atmospheric soundscapes, raw emotion, and unflinching honesty, the band are about to release their highly anticipated debut album The Things You Don’t Know Yet (3 October).
Ahead of their headline UK tour – including a Liverpool date at Kazimier Stockroom on 8 November – we caught up with the band to talk about the making of the record, the stories behind the songs, and what fans can expect when they step into an Adult Leisure live show.
For our readers who may be unfamiliar, could you tell us a bit about yourselves?
We are Adult Leisure from Bristol. We came together during lockdown and what started as a project to keep us sane turned into something we all realised had real weight. Our sound leans into post punk and indie/pop but we like to bring in atmosphere, texture, and a lot of emotion. At its core it is four friends making music that feels honest to us, and hopefully hits home for other people too.
Your debut album The Things You Don’t Know Yet is about to be released on 3 October can you tell us about the journey of writing and recording it?
The journey has been intense, exhausting, and exciting all at once. Some songs were written in one burst, others were shaped over months of back and forth. We pushed ourselves harder than we ever have before, both musically and personally. Recording the album was about capturing the raw energy of us in a room together but also making sure every layer carried meaning. It is the first time we have pulled all of our ideas into one body of work, and it feels like a true snapshot of who we are right now.
Adult Leisure – The Rules (Official Lyric Video)
The album touches on themes of relationships, self reflection, and modern pressures were there any particular moments or personal experiences that inspired these tracks?
The songs are very personal. A lot of it comes from lived experiences, whether that is relationships breaking down, moments of doubt, or trying to figure out where you fit in a world that can feel relentless. But we never wanted it to feel one dimensional. There is anger in there, but also hope. There are questions about identity and purpose, but also flashes of clarity. It is about being honest with yourself even when it is uncomfortable. This record may touch on some dark themes, but the songs are fun and will have you out of your chair.
What do you hope listeners take away from The Things You Don’t Know Yet after hearing it for the first time?
We would like listeners to feel something genuine. Maybe the songs echo their own experiences, or maybe they just find release in the sound itself. The record is not about providing answers, it is about holding up a mirror. If it gives people space to reflect, escape, or even just let go for forty minutes, then we have done what we set out to do.
You have been championed by BBC Radio 1, Radio 6, and national press what has it been like watching your music resonate with such a wide audience?
It has been surreal, in the best possible way. Hearing our tracks played nationally still feels strange but also deeply rewarding. To know that something we created in Bristol has connected with people across the country is a huge motivator. It reassures us that the stories and sounds we are putting out matter to people beyond ourselves.
You are heading out on a 12 date headline tour what can fans expect from an Adult Leisure live show?
Energy, honesty, and a bit of chaos in the best way. We put everything into our live performances because that’s where the songs really come alive. There’s an intensity and atmosphere that you can’t quite replicate on record. People can expect big soundscapes, raw emotion, and hopefully a night that sticks with them forever.
You are playing Liverpool’s Kazimier Stockroom on 8 November do you have any history or favourite memories of playing in Liverpool before, or will this be your first time performing here?
We played The Jacaranda a couple of years back and it was unforgettable. The atmosphere in the room was intense in the best way and the crowd gave us so much to feed off. Liverpool has such a deep musical culture and to come back now with a headline show feels like the next step in building that relationship with the city. We are buzzing to get back and see where the night takes us.
Secure your tickets to see Adult Leisure at Kazimier Stockroom on 8 November via See Tickets.
Follow @adultleisureband on Instagram for updates.
