Bouncing between synthy post-punk and all-out new-rave, Leeds sextet Adult DVD seem to be best defined by the anything-goes attitude behind their music. Yet the 12 tracks on their self-titled debut all manage to cling tightly to a uniform aesthetic that could only belong to the band, a laser-light-guided intensity which, at the end of the day, focuses all of its attention on ensuring that their listeners are enjoying themselves. In fact, hyperactivity seems to be far more important to the band than their hometown’s rich lineage of subversive punk music—a claim plenty of artists might make, but one that few can back up as well as the project led by vocalist Harry Hanson. “There isn’t that much down time on the album,” he confessed leading up to the LP’s release. “It’s got harder in both directions. It’s like [our prior] EPs but on steroids.” Or a second dose of MDMA.
With their debut album out today via Fat Possum, Hanson and synth player Greg Lonsdale shared an influences playlist of sorts which also serves to spotlight the duo’s moral compass. Their “Playlist of Songs for Rights and Wrongs” features plenty of peers and predecessors who’ve clearly helped shape the direction of the chaotic realm they carry their sound into, as well as some other “cool as fuck” stuff they’ve been excited about lately. “Whether you are doing the right thing or up to no good, Adult Harry and DVD Greg have got you covered,” the duo share as they introduce the songs they selected. “Go wild.”
Check out their picks below, and listen to Adult DVD here.
Chris Lorenzo & Kah-Lo, “In This Bih’”
Harry: I have overplayed this song so much but I can’t stop going back to it. So good.
Club Cab, “Feminine Energy”
Greg: We must listen to this tune at least twice a day. Makes a good green room warm-up track, too
TTSSFU, “Sick” (Crimewave Remix)
Greg: This track completely blew us away—it’s absolute carnage.
Arma, “Dance Battle”
Harry: Me and Greg always share a room on tour and I vividly remember showing him this track. His face lit up.
The Healing Power of Horses, “I Wait, I Sink”
Greg: This is just cool as fuck. I’ll wait for as long as it takes for an album and I’ll happily sink into it.
Turnspit, “Do I Know You”
Greg: You know when you have to say your friend’s band is good because it’s your friend? Well, this isn’t the case—every track these guys do slaps!
Harry: They are so good live, too. Go see them. Big love for Turnspit.
Bathing Suits, “I Can Be a Freak” feat. Mandy, Indiana’s Valentine Caulfield
Greg: Oops, another Leeds band. Bathing Suits are going to be huge! Hard, abrasive, intense.
Harry: I didn’t really think this tune could get any better, but the additional vocals are so good. Tune!
Model/Actriz, “Cinderella”
Harry: I saw these guys play at Brudenell a while back before I knew who they were—one of the best things I’ve seen. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Greg: If you haven’t yet, see them live. The singer will be in the crowd with you 90 percent of the time.
Do Nothing, “Act Natural”
Greg: Damn, that boy got some pipes! We’ve had the pleasure of playing with these guys a few times. Sound as lads!
The The, “This Is the Day”
Greg: The the the the the the the the best tune.
Harry: Yeah, what Greg said. Best tune ever written.
