Layperson – Massive Leaning

Available now on all the digital things, white vinyl, and cassette, Layperson’s Massive Leaning is a triumphant indie-pop album that breaks out of heartbreak and delivers hope that we are in this together and can survive.

Buy the Vinyl on Bandcamp
Buy the Cassette on Bandcamp
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Music

The first time I heard Layperson, they were playing with Celebrity Telethon at Kelly’s Olympian in Portland. It was their first show since COVID and when they started, I was immediately enthralled. Julian Morris’ presence and voice were stunning. How could these beautiful indie-pop songs about heartbreak and pain make me feel so good? Uplifted even. They gave me hope that one could go through anything awful or any struggle and come out the other side in a better place. The essence of existing, really. The proof was on that stage. I went home later and started to learn more. I found fascinating articles about Julian’s life, incredible performances by his previous band, Little Star, and the other releases by Layperson on Bandcamp. Then Jack from Celebrity Telethon sent me a private link to a just mixed version of Massive Leaning on SoundCloud. This was something I wanted to help release. People needed to hear this album. 

A little later, I met with Julian at Just Bob on Alberta to figure it out and that began the two year journey of bringing the album to you. Getting the mix right, getting it mastered by Greg Cabli and Steve Fallone, putting the artwork together, and finding a pressing plant in the US that we could entrust to deliver a great final product with reasonable turn-around times — all in a way that honors the songs written and recorded. 

Today is release day! I hope this finds you well and I hope you enjoy Massive Leaning.

“Layperson’s Latest Album Merges Music and Therapy”
— Willamette Week

“LAYPERSON SIFTS THROUGH THE WRECKAGE OF HEARTBREAK ON BRUISED YET TRIUMPHANT SECOND ALBUM ‘MASSIVE LEANING’” 
— Backseat Mafia 

“Massive Leaning poetically captures the journey from grief to the surprising wonder that emerges from the void of loss… ‘Black Pool’ is a single that irresistibly invites listeners to sing along, and it’s effortlessly captivating, making one wish the song would play on endlessly.” 
— c-heads 

“‘I Want To’ layers on the sunny charm, driving forward with propulsive rhythms and bright instrumental tones. The chugging rhythm section and golden-hued guitar lines imbue the track with an ardent, openhearted sheen while Morris delivers an impressively catchy chorus, showing off a careful balance between easygoing melodies and insistent tempos.” 
— Under The Radar 

“Morris dresses his songwriting in several ornate layers encompassing classic folk rock, dream-y indie pop, and even soft rock to a degree…Once you’re on Layperson’s wavelength, the opening title track and ‘Black Pool- feel like massive, undeniable pieces of indie rock.” 
— Rosy Overdrive