I went into LEISURE’s sold-out Bristol show at Thekla convinced it would be a fairly chilled affair—R&B-funk sounds that would provide a gentle glide into the weekend. What I got was the exact opposite—pure, unfiltered energy that transformed the entire room.
Jackson Homer, a Midlands-based producer and DJ, kicked things off with warm, house-leaning grooves that hit just the right tone. That is, assuming you were actually inside the venue at 7 p.m. Unfortunately, the early start worked against him. With Thekla’s weekly club night looming at 10 p.m., his set unfolded to a sparse scattering of people still filtering in from the workday. He honestly deserved better, but by the time his half-hour set wrapped, the boat’s lower deck was filling fast. The 35-minute wait before the main event tested patience, but once LEISURE took the stage, it was worth every second.
Without question, LEISURE were hands down the best thing I’ve seen at Thekla all year. On record, the Kiwi six-piece glide by with a sleek, woozy calm. They’re the kind of band you soundtrack to wine nights or road trips. Live, though, they’re an entirely different beast. Thekla’s usual charm lies in its dungeon-like gloom, perfect for punk bands or acts that thrive in the shadows. LEISURE flipped the script completely, decking the stage in a bright, elegant lighting that gave the performance a glossy pop sheen. It was easily the most elaborate production I’ve ever seen squeezed into that space, and it transformed the room.
From the second they stepped out—matching with black turtlenecks, shades, and bathed in a hellish crimson glow—it was obvious the sold-out crowd was in for something tight. Rehearsing a set is one thing; locking in is another. LEISURE clearly belonged to the latter. Every bass throb, every guitar lick, every vocal harmony slotted neatly into place, delivered with that almost irritating effortlessness some acts just have.
The mixed-age crowd responded instantly. Shoulders rolled, hips loosened, and soon the entire hull was swaying together as one united tidal wave. There were songs for lovers too—little dips in energy where couples seized the chance for a proper snog. Tracks like “Sundown,” “Got It Bad,” and “One In a Million” all landed beautifully. Truth be told, the entire show had a funky flow, with tracks bleeding into one another without pause. The band barely stopped to breathe, powering through a 90-minute set that felt like one continuous groove. Titles became irrelevant; you just dissolved into the vibe, which was fitting for an album called Welcome to the Mood.
Bristol’s Kiwi locals were out in force, cheering every intro like a homecoming. Older heads—the kind of people who probably saw the disco scene in action the first time round—held their own on the dancefloor. True to the city’s ethos, the night became a melting pot of generations, all swept up in an easy-going groove that washed away the week’s stress.
Somewhere around three-quarters into the set, Thekla’s quirks began to reveal themselves. One innocent trip to the bar or loo could get you banished to the venue’s nether realm: the overhanging second floor that blocked the stage for anyone as far as the merch table. Re-entry was a myth. The safest move was to plant your feet and surrender to the rhythm. Maybe even soil yourself if you were a true warrior-funk monk unwilling to miss a beat.
Thankfully, LEISURE gave no reason to wander. It was their first-ever Bristol show, fresh off a London Roundhouse date. And they carried that momentum with total ease. Between songs, they were chatty, funny, and disarmingly down-to-earth—the kind of band who make a sold-out gig feel like an invitation into their living room for a jam.
Here’s the thing about LEISURE’s Friday performance: it was one of those rare shows that blindsides you in the best way. They didn’t just outshine their original recordings on stage— a rare feat in itself. They owned the room, converting casual listeners into full-blown devotees. By the final note, it was clear: everyone in the audience was already plotting their next chance to see them live again.
LEISURE brought the heat, the heart, and the mood. Bristol will be waiting for their return.
