Leisure Theory – Do Without (feat. Kid Blue) (2021)
The brainchild of Irish producer Jake Smith, Leisure Theory is the foundation for his unique EDM meets dream-pop meets indie-pop sound. Following his well-received debut EP This Is My Password in 2019, Smith took his music to the masses in a UK and Ireland tour. Skip ahead just under 18 months (give or take) and Smith is working with Manchester’s Most Joyous label creating his third (and hopefully as well received) EP. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, Leisure Theory’s touring has taken a backseat; however, he continues to produce music individually and via collaboration with other artists. The latest addition to his growing discography is ‘Do Without’.
Following on from the critically acclaimed EP Deliverance, Leisure Theory teams up with Samuel Capper (also known as Kid Blue) to create ‘Do Without’. Adopting a synth-laden approach with downtempo undertones and a distorted guitar in the background for good measure, ‘Do Without’ is a single filled with versatility, innovativeness and originality. Slightly more refreshing that previous tracks, the song has an upbeat and buoyant quality despite the sombre underlying concept.
“We’re now in winter, still in the throws of this pandemic. It’s a bleak time of the year for many and we’ve all had to adapt to so much change in our lives. My heart goes out to those who are spending this winter alone, become unemployed or been really affected by the pandemic.” – Leisure Theory on ‘Do Without’
What I find particularly intriguing about this single is the combination of genres. As with most dream-pop meets lo-fi songs, the synths are prominent; yet, there is a twinge of indie-rock/grunge guitar adding a certain je ne sais quoi. The melody does create a hazy soundscape, but it also has a conflicting barebones style to emphasise the message of vulnerability, innocence and fragility.
For more from Leisure Theory check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
