Lazy Day releases Falling Behind
Today, Lazy Day - the brainchild of London-based songwriter Tilly Scantlebury (they/them) - announce their debut album, Open the Door, ahead of a November 8th release via Brace Yourself Records(Panic Shack, JOHN, Nuha Ruby Ra), as well as unveiling plans for a February 2025 headline UK tour in support of it.
The album's arrival has been teased in recent months with the acclaimed singles 'Bright Yellow' and 'Killer' and today a further glimpse of Open the Door is offered by new cut 'Falling Behind': a prime example of Scantlebury at the peak of their powers, crafting indie-rock that's equal parts contemplative and confrontational - a firecracker that'll rattle around your head for days after its initial combustion.
Scantlebury explains: "This song is full of frustration — at the world and at myself — for feeling like things should be different and I could do better." While the album's title, Open the Door, can feel hopeful and welcoming, for Scantlebury it also conjures instances of the door being slammed shut in their face, which is felt acutely on 'Falling Behind': “We'll make it fair, you'll be heard, you want respect and that's what you deserve / But recently I've noticed all the things that I've been promised.”
The album as a whole finds Scantlebury occupying their queerness and its constant evolution. On 'Falling Behind', this manifests itself in an evolving subject position, where questions are posed, answered, left open, and the “I” and “you” never really stay still. “You don't wanna be mad, do you? / I just feel like I'm falling behind.”
It comes accompanied by a video directed and produced by CLUMP Collective. On one level a subtle counterpart to the album art, the video also follows the narrative of a relationship - what may start with apprehension or unease, can ultimately be turned around into something you’re proud and happy about. It stars Scantlebury's wife Eleanor Crewes portraying a green monster that could be the "I", the "you" or something else entirely...
Of the video, CLUMP say: "Our latest music video for Lazy Day, inspired by the evocative photography of Catherine Opie, captured the essence of identity and rebellion. It was so much fun to work with Tilly and Ellie, they both brought incredible energy to the shoot, and their chemistry on camera was beautiful to watch. We're really proud of this one!"
Written and demoed in Scantlebury’s home studio, Open the Door was made in bursts throughout 2021 and into the beginning of 2022, at The Institute of Sonic Architecture in west Wales, co-produced with Gethin Pearson (Kele Okereke, Charli xcx, Whenyoung). While Scantlebury assumed the majority of instrumental duties across the record - excluding drums, largely performed by Dave Newington of Boy Azooga - guest appearances pop up from Lazy Day cast members including bassist Kris Lavin and former drummer Beni Evans.
A dramatic leap forward from early EPs 2017's Ribbons and 2019's Letters, their first studio album remains dazzlingly Lazy Day - this time with the volume and saturation turned all the way up. Scantlebury’s thoughtful lyrics, unique point of view – as both a musician and art historian – and playful, dynamic, positively Technicolor melodies are still on full display here, but with a new directness: “Lyrically I tried to be the clearest I’d ever been. I’ve never been so upfront.”
For those familiar with Lazy Day, the buoyant, earworm songwriting makes a welcome return, amped up and better than ever, via Scantlebury’s own production and more adventurous light-and-shade singing. Those who aren’t will be greeted by a rush of contemplative yet powerful indie rock, with rich vocals in the vein of Chrissie Hynde and Karen O, and a close, atmospheric warmth that echoes the album’s emotional sentiments – of giving, of exchange, of cutting some slack for yourself and others. This is music that speaks directly to you – music for living to, music to feel acknowledged by, and music that will make you happy to be yourself, steady and sparkling and sure.
Prior to signing to Brace Yourself Records, Lazy Day's previous EPs and singles drew support and acclaim from the likes of VICE, The Fader, DIY, Clash, Dork, The I, The Line of Best Fit and more, as well as radio airplay from folks including Lauren Laverne, Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens, Jack Saunders, Matt Wilkinson and more.
Lazy Day have shared stages with artists including Bloc Party, Jay Som, Girlpool, and SASAMI, and have appeared at festivals such as Latitude, Community and Kendal Calling. Live, Lazy Day expands with Scantlebury joined on stage by Kris Lavin (bass, backing vocals), Martin Lilley (guitar, backing vocals) and Mikey King (drums), who help usher Scantlebury's multifaceted songs to life.
Following a recent run of dates opening for Honeyblood, Lazy Day today announce a headline tour in support of Open the Door taking place across the UK in February 2025 and culminating in a London show on Feb 14th at The Lower Third. Please see further below for a full touring itinerary.
