New Season is the fourth studio album from the 24 year old. With over 600 shows in numerous continents, intimate living room tours, live sessions recorded for BBC radio 1 and xfm AND have his music featured on mainstream TV shows such as; Made in Chelsea (Channel 4), Coming of Age (BBC3) and Football First (Sky Sports), this Southampton Uni graduate has got where others dream, and done so in so little time.
The album opens with the piano led Slow Down. A a mournful and profound track which crescendos with the inclusion of drums and distorted guitars. The playing is just as anguished as Leighfield's heartfelt lyrics. If you think this is just another woeful ballad filled album, you better read on boy!
Upbeat and feel good New Season is the next track. Dissimilar to the opener, this track screams summer. It's progressive guitars and solos just scream brilliance and quality. Much more uplifting than other tracks, shows Leighfield isn't just a one genre man.
It's You gives off vibes from Luke's previous single 'Have You Got Heart', where as Garde Ta Foy starts with the exhibition of sorrowful piano melodies juxtaposed to the uplifting lyrics. It's build up leads to something truly amazing. Imagine the breakdown to 'Fix You' by Coldplay, times that by 30 and you're still not that close. It's lurid drums, gang vocals and immense guitar playing definitely gives the listener something to know about Luke.
Another track to watch out for is piano ballad Whispering. The constant repetition of 'You are quiet but You are there' displays Leighfield's rawest emotion. Singing in crescendo behind big band percussion definitely highlights his talent.
Luke is definitely one of the most amazing and underrated artists I've come across and 'New Season' is a prime example of such. The album in a whole is a blissful mix of sombre and upbeat tempos. It's heartfelt lyrics and piano-pop led riffs is just a breath of fresh air. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I hope 2012 see's Mr Leighfield get more recognition for his brilliant work.
Get the album now: http://lukeleighfield.tumblr.com/newseason
Daniel Mburu
7.4/10
