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Angel in Realtime
Angel in Realtime
Angel in Realtime
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Angel in Realtime
Orange background with two identical passport-sized photos of a man. Below is a light orange envelope, which has writing, "Teleso Leaupepe Photos Only", in faded ink.
Studio album by
Gang of Youths
Released25 February 2022
Studio
  • Eastcote, London
  • Hoxa HQ, London
  • The Pool, London
  • Urchin, London
  • Roundhead, Auckland
GenreAlternative rock
Length67:03
Label
Producer
Gang of Youths chronology
Total Serene
(2021) 		Angel in Realtime
(2022) 		Immolation Tape
(2022)
Singles from Angel in Realtime
  1. "The Man Himself"
    Released: 7 October 2021
  2. "Tend the Garden"
    Released: 10 November 2021
  3. "In the Wake of Your Leave"
    Released: 7 January 2022
  4. "Spirit Boy"
    Released: 23 February 2022

Angel in Realtime[a] is the third studio album by Australian alternative rock band Gang of Youths, released on 25 February 2022 through Mosy Recordings. Written over the four years following the death of frontman David Le'aupepe's father, the album lyrically focuses on the emotions that arise from mourning, coming to terms with loss, and discovering family identity in the Pacific Islands. It consistently uses vocal and instrumental samples from Indigenous musicians collected by explorer David Fanshawe, marking a significant sonic departure from their previous album, Go Farther in Lightness (2017).

Supported by a world tour commencing in Dublin in March 2022, Angel in Realtime became the band's second album to debut at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart. The album was lauded by many critics, who particularly praised the lyricism and storytelling. Multiple outlets recognised it as the band's best work, however some found issue with the length and density. Angel in Realtime was nominated for Album of the Year, Best Group and Best Rock Album at the 2022 ARIA Music Awards, while winning Australian Album of the Year at the J Awards.

Angel in Realtime was preceded by four singles, as well as "Unison" and "The Angel of 8th Ave." from Gang of Youths' second EP, Total Serene (2021). The latter track polled at number six in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2021, while the third single "In the Wake of Your Leave" reached number eight in the 2022 countdown. Three of the album's tracks would later be re-recorded as part of the band's following EP, Immolation Tape (2022).

Background

[edit]

Following the release of their second studio album Go Farther in Lightness (2017), Gang of Youths relocated to London.[3][4] In 2018, Teleso Le'aupepe, the father of frontman David, died of cancer.[5] On his deathbed, he hinted that there were a number of secrets to be discovered in Polynesia – a surprise to his family,[6] as Le'aupepe had always been insistent of his upbringing in New Zealand before settling in Sydney. David Le'aupepe and his wife travelled to Samoa, where it was revealed his father had disappeared to Australia in the 1970s, leaving behind two sons.[2] This story is later recited in the album's piano ballad, "Brothers".[3]

In 2019, founding member and guitarist Joji Malani amicably left the band.[7] The following year, multi-instrumentalist Tom Hobden of Noah and the Whale joined as violinist.[8] In July 2021, the band surprise released their second EP Total Serene, containing three tracks.[9] Two of them – "The Angel of 8th Ave." (June) and "Unison" – would be included on Angel in Realtime. The former debuted at number 48 on the ARIA Singles Chart,[10] and would later poll at number six in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2021.[11] Total Serene was the first collection of new music from Gang of Youths since Go Farther in Lightness.[9]

Production and recording

[edit]

Angel in Realtime was recorded in various countries and took four years to complete.[12] It was primarily self-produced at the band's studio in London,[13] however Peter Hutchings and Peter Katis are also credited for production on two tracks[14] – Katis had mixed their first two albums.[15] With Le'aupepe as lead songwriter, the other band members had not heard the bulk of the lyricism until the final two weeks recording – he finished writing "Goal of the Century" the morning it was due to be produced.[13]

Sonically, the album relies heavily on samples of Indigenous music from the Pacific Islands, collected by English explorer and composer David Fanshawe. The band received permission from David's wife to use the recordings.[2] Lead single "The Man Himself" employs recordings of an Imene tuki, a polyrhythmic hymn, from Mangaia in the Cook Islands.[4] "In the Wake of Your Leave" features backing harmonies from the Auckland Gospel Choir and percussion by a number of drummers from the island,[16] while "Spirit Boy" interpolates musician Shane McLean "speaking a Kōrero poem in the track's breakdown before it gets swept up into string-laden revelry".[3][17]

"The Man Himself"
The chorus of "The Man Himself" finds Le'aupepe struggling to come to terms with the loss of his father. It interpolates recordings by David Fanshawe of voices from people of Mangaia.
"Spirit Boy"
The interlude of "Spirit Boy" features Shane McLean recite a speech in Te Reo in-between verses performed by Le'aupepe in English.
Problems playing these files? See media help.

Penultimate track "Hand of God" transitions into "Goal of the Century" – referencing Diego Maradona's suite of goals at the 1986 World Cup.[2] The former features only Le'aupepe on vocals and piano with the gospel choir,[18] while the resplendent final track hosts over a dozen guest musicians as well as the Budapest Film Orchestra on strings.[12]

The album has been described by music outlets as alternative rock,[19] with elements of chamber pop,[20] Britpop[21][22] and Indigenous music.[21][1] Some have also called Angel in Realtime a concept album.[23][24][25] Andrew Tendell of NME noted a sonic shift compared to Go Farther in Lightness, writing the release of "The Angel of 8th Ave." was "marking a transition into their new sound", being their only new song that "sounds anything like [their] previous album".[26]

Lyricism

[edit]

Lyrically, many of the tracks are dedicated to the life of Le'aupepe's father. "Tend the Garden" is about Teleso's work as a "gifted and passionate gardener", and is written from his perspective, hinting at secrets that would be revealed after his death.[27] Le'aupepe wrote "The Man Himself" regarding the struggles in going through the normalities of life without the guidance of his father.[4] "Brothers" features only the frontman on vocals and piano,[28] reciting the story of discovering his family who had been left behind in Samoa, and coming to terms with his father's deceit.[5] "In the Wake of Your Leave" more broadly discusses grief – when writing, Le'aupepe said: "I wanted to reflect on how I became dependent on grief for solace and inspiration. The cycle from numbness to acceptance to yearning plays a role in my approach to grieving my dad's death."[16]

Not all tracks continue these lyrical themes – "The Angel of 8th Ave." chronicles Le'aupepe's relocation to the Angel, Islington and meeting his future wife while in New York City.[29] "Returner" is written about Le'aupepe's mental state after performing "21 gigs in 30 days in Australia, on this kind of record run, which I consider a shame and a blight because I wish I could have been my very best". Regarding the song's title, the frontman explained, "It's called 'returner' because my fucking job as a musician is to fucking yield returns."[2]

Release and promotion

[edit]
First man looks towards his left, he wears a dark jacket over white tee-shirt. Second man looks down and to his right, only his left hand holds the guitar's neck, while his right hand is up near his left shoulder. Third man has his head twisted to his left while playing his bass guitar. Fourth man, 30 years-old, holds his microphone with both hands as he sings. Behind the performers a partly obscured sign reads "Banquet Records"
Gang of Youths (left to right): Donnie Borzestowski, Jung Kim, Max Dunn and David Le'aupepe; performing at Fighting Cocks, Kingston, England, February 2022

"The Man Himself" was released as the album's lead single on 7 October 2021.[4] The track would later poll at number 57 in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2021.[11] Angel in Realtime was officially announced on 10 November 2021, along with a track list, details of a worldwide tour, and "Tend the Garden", the album's second single.[30][31] The artwork, designed by Bradley Pinkerton, was also issued, featuring the passport photo of Teleso. In December 2021, Gang of Youths performed "The Angel of 8th Ave." live on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.[32] "In the Wake of Your Leave" was released as the third single on 7 January 2022,[33] followed by "Spirit Boy" on 22 February 2022.[34] The former track would later poll at number eight in the Hottest 100 of 2022.[35] Upon the release of Angel in Realtime on 25 February 2022, it debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums chart, becoming the band's second release to do so.[36] The album also appeared at number six on the Scottish albums chart,[37] and at number 10 in the United Kingdom.[38]

At the 2022 ARIA Music Awards, Angel in Realtime was nominated for Album of the Year, Best Group and Best Rock Album.[39] At the 2022 J Awards, it won Australian Album of the Year.[40] Three of the album's tracks, "In the Wake of Your Leave", "Forbearance" and "Spirit Boy", were re-recorded in March 2022 and released on the band's succeeding EP Immolation Tape.[23] Furthermore, Gang of Youths performed "Forbearance" on Jimmy Kimmel Live in May.[41] On 5 August 2022, the band performed "Brothers" live for Like a Version – the performance later featured on their fourth EP, Triple J Like a Version Sessions (2022).[42]

Tour

[edit]
David Le'aupepe singing (left) and Max Dunn playing guitar (right) on stage.
Gang of Youths performing at Rock im Park, Nuremberg in 2022, during the Angel in Realtime Tour.

Gang of Youths embarked on the Angel in Realtime Tour in Dublin on 3 March 2022. The first leg originally contained European dates, which were all later postponed to October through to November due to COVID-19 restrictions.[43][44] Due to electrical issues, the Philadelphia show transitioned to an acoustic set with only Le'aupepe and Hobden performing.[45] The final show in the third leg, at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney, was advertised as an "intimate acoustic performance" and was notably attended by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.[46][47] The entire fourth leg in North America was cancelled due to health issues relating to Le'aupepe, but the fifth and final leg across Europe resumed.[48]

The tour was acclaimed by a number of reviewers. Writing for The Music, Christopher Lewis praised Le'aupepe as "the best rock'n'roll performer this country has produced since Michael Hutchence".[49] Al Newstead, reviewing for Triple J, called the band's Perth show an "epic stage production" that finished with a "triumphant encore of the record's epic two-part closer".[50]

Overview of Angel in Realtime Tour dates and locations
Leg Region First show date Last show date No. of shows Ref.
1
 UK, Ireland 3 March 2022 15 March 2022 8 [31]
2
 North America 21 April 2022 24 May 2022 20
3
 Australia 30 July 2022 3 August 2022 9 [46]
4
 North America 13 September 2022 1 October 2022 Cancelled [48]
5
 Europe 25 October 2022 20 November 2022 17 [44]

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
Metacritic76/100[51]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStarHalf star[52]
DorkStarStarStarStar[53]
Exclaim!9/10[21]
The GuardianStarStarStar[18]
The Line of Best Fit5/10[54]
NMEStarStarStarStar[55]
Pitchfork6.8/10[28]
Riff Magazine10/10[56]
Rolling StoneStarStarStarStar[1]

Angel in Realtime was released to widespread acclaim. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalised score out of 100 from the ratings of publications, the album received a score of 76 based on 10 reviews.[51]

The album received high praise for its lyricism. Writing for Dork, Josh Williams described the album as "a truly great record that doesn't hold back on its emotions or its storytelling".[53] Matt Collar of AllMusic shared a similar sentiment, commending the album's themes and noting it as a "deeply personal and autobiographical album, but one filled with a universally relatable emotionality".[52] For Riff Magazine, Ben Schultz gave the album a perfect score, calling it "deeply personal yet all-embracing in spirit" and being an "early contender for best album of the year".[56] Rhys Buchanan of NME called the album "some of their finest work so far", writing: "Not only does Angel in Realtime serve as a soul-stirring tribute to Le'aupepe's late father, but it's also a triumphant exploration of love and life."[55] Many outlets agreed Angel in Realtime was the band's best work; Corbin Reiff of Spin referred to it as a "maximalist rock opus" and "their best record yet ... one that sets them up for greater success to come".[12] Adam Feibel of Exclaim! praised Le'aupepe's storytelling, calling the album a "profoundly beautiful, meaningful album from a band that has decided that every record might as well be a new magnum opus".[21]

Some reviewers were critical of the album's tightness. Bernard Zuel of The Guardian wrote "for much of the album, air to breathe is rare", but praised its lyricism, continuing "it is not a coincidence that the special moments on Angel in Realtime are the ones that best match the album's particularly personal story".[18] Writing for Pitchfork, Shaad D'Souza claimed the album was "occasionally so dense that it's hard to listen to, with layers of interesting ideas compounded to something impenetrable" – also finding fault with its 67-minute duration.[28] Andrew Burton of The Line of Best Fit criticised its lyrics that "come off basic and moralizing with lines of saccharine fluff" and claimed "far too many spots on Angel in Realtime are bland, generic, and overly sentimental".[54]

Accolades

[edit]

Angel in Realtime was featured several times in various music publications' year-end lists. Citing its "musical power", Riff Magazine named it the best album of 2022, due to "how it made listeners feel, and probably will feel, for years".[57] Australian radio station Double J placed the album at number five in their year-end countdown, summarising it as a "remarkable story of multiple lives".[58] Angel in Realtime was also featured in the lists of publications Esquire, Exclaim! and PopMatters.[59][60][61]

Year-end lists for Angel in Realtime
Publication Accolade Rank Ref.
The Alternative 50 Best Releases of 2022 25 [62]
Double J 50 Best Albums of 2022 5 [58]
Esquire 25 Best Albums of 2022 N/a [59]
Exclaim! 50 Best Albums of 2022 40 [60]
PopMatters 80 Best Albums of 2022 36 [61]
Riff Magazine 67 Best Albums of 2022 1 [57]
Sputnikmusic Staff's Top 50 Albums of 2022 11 [63]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks written by Donnie Borzestowski, Max Dunn, Tom Hobden, Jung Kim and David Le'aupepe; "Spirit Boy" co-written by Shane McLean.

  1. "You in Everything" – 6:51
  2. "In the Wake of Your Leave" – 4:03
  3. "The Angel of 8th Ave." – 3:59
  4. "Returner" – 4:43
  5. "Unison" – 5:08
  6. "Tend the Garden" – 4:27
  7. "The Kingdom Is Within You" – 4:23
  8. "Spirit Boy" – 6:27
  9. "Brothers" – 5:54
  10. "Forbearance" – 5:38
  11. "The Man Himself" – 4:24
  12. "Hand of God" – 4:03
  13. "Goal of the Century" – 7:03

Notes

  • All track titles are stylised in all-lowercase.
  • "The Angel of 8th Ave." and "Unison" previously appeared on the band's 2021 EP Total Serene.

Sample credits

  • "You in Everything" contains samples from "Fatu Iva Chant, Marquesas Islands", "Hawaiian Hula Drums", "Conche Horns of Rano Kau, Rapa Nui, Easter Island" and "Chiefs and Orators 2 from Upolu, Samoa" from Fanshawe's South Pacific Collection 1 (1999).
  • "Returner" contains samples from "Ute - Cutting Nuts, Aitutaki, Cook Is." from Fanshawe's Spirit of Polynesia (1995), "Himene Tarava Tamarii Tipaerui, Papa'ete, Tahiti" from Fanshawe's Heiva I Tahiti (2014) and "Vailoa Mens Chant, Savai'i, Samoa", also recorded by Fanshawe.
  • "Unison" contains samples from "Himene Tarava 1, Group Tauraatua, Tahiti" from Spirit of Polynesia and "Himene Tarava Taunoa, Tahiti" from Fanshawe's Pacific Chants – Polynesian Himene (2002).
  • "Tend the Garden" contains samples from "Muli tu pe, Mu'a, Tongatapu" from Music of the South Pacific, Nonesuch Explorer Series (2005) and "Utete Mouth Harps of 'Eua, Tongatapu" from Fanshawe's Chants of the Kingdom of Tonga (2008).
  • "The Kingdom is Within You" contains a sample from "Imene Tuki Penrhyn, Tongareva, Cook Is." from Pacific Chants – Polynesian Himene.
  • "Forbearance" contains samples from "Poipoi - Taro Pounding, Rapa, Austral Is" and "Bird Dance Hula, O'ahu, Hawai'i" from Spirit of Polynesia.
  • "Goal of the Century" contains a sample from "Himene Tarava Pīr'e, Pape'ete, Tahiti" from Pacific Chants – Polynesian Himene.

Personnel

[edit]

Sampling and personnel credits adapted from liner notes.[14]

Gang of Youths

  • David Le'aupepe – lead vocals (all tracks), guitar (1–3, 5–6, 8, 10), bass guitar (3), piano (2–3, 9, 12–13), keys (7), backing vocals (6–7, 10), additional instrumentation (13)
  • Donnie Borzestowski – drums (1–8, 10–11, 13), percussion (1–2, 4–8, 10, 13), piano (1, 8, 10), keys (7), backing vocals (5–8, 10–11, 13), additional instrumentation (8, 13)
  • Max Dunn – bass guitar (1–2, 4–8, 10–11, 13), banjo (1, 5), piano (1, 4, 6, 8), keys (7), guitar (3, 7–8), backing vocals (10), additional instrumentation (8, 13)
  • Tom Hobden – piano (7, 11, 13), keys (7), violin (1–8, 10–11, 13), viola (1–2, 4–8, 10–11, 13), string arrangements (1, 4, 7–8, 10, 13), woodwind and brass arrangements (13), additional instrumentation (10),
  • Jung Kim – piano (3, 10), keys (1, 3, 4, 7, 13), guitar (1–8, 10–11), backing vocals (10), additional instrumentation (8, 10)

Additional musicians

  • Péter Illényi – conductor (1, 8, 10, 13)
  • James Larter – marimba (1, 6–7, 13)
  • Aemon Beech – percussion (1)
  • Anuanua Drummers – percussion (2, 6, 13)
  • Daniel Ricciardo – backing vocals (2), percussion (11)
  • Auckland Gospel Choir – backing vocals (2, 8, 11–13)
  • Seumanu Simon Matāfai – vocal director (2, 8, 11–13)
  • Ian Burdge – cello (5, 11)
  • Nick Etwell – trumpet, flügel horn (5, 11, 13)
  • David Williamson – trombone (5, 11, 13)
  • Matt Gunner – french horn (5, 11, 13)
  • Ilid Jones – Cor anglais, oboe (5, 13)
  • Jonathan Griffiths – saxophone (5–6, 13), flute (5, 13), clarinet (13)
  • Indiana Dunn – percussion, backing vocals (6)
  • Simon Matāfai – piano (6)
  • Kaumātua Tony Gibbs – Kōrero spoken word (6)
  • Shane McLean – Taonga Pūiri instrumentalist (3, 6–7, 10, 13), Kōrero (8)
  • Adam Duritz – backing vocals (7, 10)
  • Peter Hutchings – modular synth (11)
  • Blake Friend – percussion (11)
  • Anna Pamin – percussion (11)
  • Count – synth (13)
  • Gretta Ray – backing vocals (13)

Technical

  • Gang of Youths – producer, writing, engineer (all tracks)
  • Shane McLean – writing (8)
  • Peter Hutchings – producer (2, 11), engineer (2–3, 6, 8, 11–13)
  • Peter Katis – producer (2), mixing (4–5, 9)
  • Count – mixing (1–2, 4–13), mastering (all tracks)
  • Craig Silvey – mixing (3)
  • Richard Woodcraft – engineering (1, 5–7, 13)
  • Gergő Láposi – orchestral engineering (1, 7–8, 10)
  • Péter Barabás – orchestral engineering (1, 7–8, 10)
  • Dani Bennett Spragg – mixing assistance (11)
  • Emily Wheatcroft Snape – engineering assistance (2, 11)
  • Jamie Sprosen – engineering assistance (2, 11)
  • Luke O'Dea – engineering assistance (3)
  • Tess Dunn – engineering assistance (6)

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for Angel in Realtime
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[68] Silver 20,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Angel in Realtime

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Angel in Realtime is the third studio album by the Australian band , released on 25 February 2022 through Mosy Records. Led by frontman Dave Le'aupepe, the record spans 13 tracks and explores profound themes of , loss, indigenous identity, and family heritage in the Pacific Islands, particularly inspired by Le'aupepe's experiences following his father's . The marks a significant evolution in ' sound, blending stadium-sized anthems with intimate, introspective moments, incorporating elements of , synths, and Pacific Island influences alongside the band's signature rock instrumentation. Le'aupepe has described the work as a on his father's life and legacy, weaving personal narratives of and spiritual inquiry into expansive, emotionally charged compositions that balance raw vulnerability with orchestral grandeur. Critically, it has been praised for its ambitious scope and heartfelt lyricism, though some reviewers noted occasional overcrowding in its production, highlighting standout tracks like the stripped-back ballads amid the bombastic arrangements.

Background and development

Inspirations and conception

The central inspiration for angel in realtime. stemmed from the 2018 death of frontman Dave Le'aupepe's father, Teleso "Tattersall" Le'aupepe, from cancer, which prompted a profound emotional reckoning with and family secrets. Following his father's passing, Le'aupepe uncovered hidden aspects of his heritage, including that his father had been born in in 1938—rather than in in 1948 as claimed—and had fathered two sons in before immigrating to , revelations that deepened Le'aupepe's connection to his Samoan roots and indigenous identity. This process of mourning involved traveling to the Pacific Islands, particularly and , where Le'aupepe met his half-brothers and explored ancestral ties, transforming personal loss into a broader meditation on inheritance and reconciliation. The album's themes of , loss, , indigenous identity, and emerged from Le'aupepe's interviews, where he described unearthing his father's "secret " as a protective fabrication against and socioeconomic hardships faced by immigrants. In one , Le'aupepe recounted his father's hints at undisclosed truths in , which fueled a of and spiritual , often framed through a lens of divine or existential questioning. These elements built on the band's prior explorations of personal turmoil in albums like (2017), evolving toward a more culturally rooted . Conceived amid the , the project took shape during periods of global isolation that amplified its introspective quality, allowing Le'aupepe to delve deeply into familial and spiritual themes without external distractions. Initial song ideas arose from Le'aupepe's solo writing sessions in 2020 and 2021, beginning in , , where he processed these discoveries in relative seclusion, marking the album's genesis as a solitary act of before band collaboration.

Band lineup changes

Prior to the recording of Angel in Realtime, experienced significant lineup shifts that reshaped the group's structure. Founding guitarist Joji Malani, who had been with the band since its inception in 2012, departed in October 2019 after contributing to their first two albums, The Positions (2015) and (2017). His exit was announced on October 9, 2019, with the band expressing sadness but support for his decision to pursue new professional opportunities, marking his final performance on October 11, 2019, in during their North American tour. Malani's departure, motivated by a desire to "turn the page" in his career, occurred amid the band's relocation from to in 2017, contributing to a period of transition influenced by personal and global events like the . To fill the gap, multi-instrumentalist Tom Hobden, formerly of , joined in 2020, bringing expertise on , guitar, and keyboards; his official induction was announced on October 25, 2020, coinciding with confirmation of the band's third . Hobden had already appeared in pre-pandemic performances and updates earlier that year. These changes solidified the core lineup for Angel in Realtime as David Le'aupepe on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Max Dunn on bass, Jung Kim on guitar and keyboards, Donnie Borzestowski on drums, and Tom Hobden on multi-instruments. The shifts fostered a renewed band identity in London, enabling a "truer version" of the group to emerge during the album's development, with Le'aupepe assuming a more pronounced leadership role in guiding the creative direction amid the transitions. This stabilization allowed recording sessions to proceed in 2020, incorporating Hobden's string arrangements to enhance the album's orchestral elements.

Composition and recording

Songwriting and lyrics

Dave Le'aupepe served as the primary songwriter for angel in realtime., crafting lyrics that deeply draw from his personal autobiography, particularly the 2018 death of his father, Teleso "Tattersall" Le'aupepe, and the subsequent revelations about his hidden family life in . These narratives intertwine with explorations of Le'aupepe's heritage, including Samoan and roots, reflecting on migration, cultural identity, and intergenerational legacy. The songwriting process unfolded iteratively throughout 2021, with Le'aupepe revising drafts multiple times to refine emotional and philosophical layers, often starting in , , before incorporating band and producer feedback. For instance, tracks like "you in everything" underwent four to five versions, blending personal reflection with broader existential inquiries about loss and presence. This methodical approach allowed Le'aupepe to weave intimate stories into anthemic structures, prioritizing over resolution. Lyrical themes cluster around and identity across the album's tracks. In "tend the garden," manifests through a first-person perspective from Le'aupepe's father, recounting his 1960s migration from to (New Zealand) as a laborer, marked by regret over estranged sons and unfulfilled dreams. Conversely, "the man himself" delves into identity, grappling with the fear of parenthood amid paternal absence and the drive to forge an independent self, incorporating sampled Indigenous Pacific hymns to evoke cultural reconnection. Other songs, such as "," extend these motifs to existential questions of belonging and healing. Le'aupepe employs poetic devices like and repetition to heighten emotional depth. In "tend the garden," the titular phrase serves as a for nurturing a personal legacy amid life's decay, with repetition of "Lord knows if they would ever forgive me" underscoring persistent guilt and longing. Similarly, "the man himself" uses s like "angels in the ornaments" to symbolize lingering familial presence, while repeating "hummin' away" conveys a rhythmic coping with sorrow, blending with quiet resilience. These techniques amplify the album's tone without quoting full verses, focusing instead on universal resonance within specific narratives.

Production process

The production of angel in realtime. took place over approximately four years, from 2018 to late 2021, beginning shortly after the death of frontman Dave Le'aupepe's father and extending through the disruptions of the . Primary recording occurred in the band's self-built studio in , with additional sessions in locations such as for orchestral strings, for contributions from Cook Islander drummers and the Auckland Gospel Choir, and , , for early demos like "you in everything." These dispersed sessions reflected the band's international lineup and Le'aupepe's personal journey tracing his Samoan heritage. The album was largely self-produced by the band, with significant collaboration from producers and Peter Hutchings, who helped refine its ambitious blend of , electronic elements, and neoclassical arrangements; Katis, in particular, emphasized layering up to 60,000 tracks on some songs to create immersive "maximalist dreamscapes" while preserving emotional intimacy. New band member Tom Hobden, formerly of , contributed key string arrangements and scoring, streamlining complex ideas into cohesive orchestral parts recorded with a 42-piece ensemble. Collaborative decisions focused on experimentation, including the integration of 1970s and 1980s field recordings from ethnomusicologist David Fanshawe's Pacific Island archives, and Pasifika musicians, and influences from minimalism, hip-hop sampling, and breakbeats. The process faced substantial challenges, including remote collaboration necessitated by , Le'aupepe's battles with , exhaustion, and health revelations tied to his family's history, as well as the near-scrapping of sessions multiple times due to creative dissatisfaction. To capture live band energy, the group prioritized in-studio communal work during feasible periods, with members swapping instruments—such as bassists handling engineering—and recording raw takes that were later augmented with choirs, spoken-word elements from Shane McLean, and dynamic percussion to evoke a sense of collective vitality amid the grief. Lyrical explorations of indigenous identity briefly informed production choices, like sourcing authentic Pacific vocal samples. In post-production, mixing was handled by a team including (on tracks like "the angel of 8th ave."), (on several others), and C.O.U.N.T., with engineering support from Richard Woodcraft and Pete Hutchings; decisions emphasized balancing dense arrangements with clarity to retain the band's natural, anthemic drive. Mastering was completed by at Sterling Sound, ensuring the final sound translated the album's epic scope across formats while highlighting its intimate, narrative core.

Musical style

Angel in Realtime is characterized by a blend of alternative rock and indie rock, infused with chamber pop elements such as lush string arrangements and orchestral swells, while incorporating Pacific Islander influences through sampled choral vocals and percussion from Indigenous traditions. The album's sound features expansive instrumentation, including synths, horns, piano, and handclaps, creating a dynamic palette that shifts between intimate textures and grand, anthemic builds. These elements draw from field recordings of Polynesian hymns and Cook Islander drumming, reflecting frontman Dave Le'aupepe's Samoan heritage and adding layers of cultural resonance to the rock foundation. Compared to the band's prior album , Angel in Realtime evolves toward more polished and restrained arrangements, emphasizing cleaner tendencies with brighter acoustics and synthesized vocals, while amplifying the "stadium rock" feel through cinematic scale and rhythms. This progression incorporates electronic elements like drum'n'bass beats and ethereal keyboards, blending them seamlessly with traditional rock instrumentation to achieve a maximalist yet focused sonic identity. Track-specific styles highlight the album's versatility: "goal of the century" features symphonic swells and soaring instrumentation for an anthemic climax, contrasting the opener "you in everything," which builds from delicate acoustic intros to gorgeous string-driven crescendos. Other songs like "the man himself" integrate , , and Cook Islander samples over drums, while "brothers" employs stripped-down for intimate balladry. These variations underscore the album's ability to balance personal vulnerability with epic grandeur. The musical influences evident in Angel in Realtime include U2's anthemic scope and Bruce Springsteen's narrative drive, alongside traditions and contemporary acts like The National and , resulting in a heartfelt, arena-ready aesthetic. This fusion creates a sound that is both culturally rooted and universally expansive, marking a significant maturation in the band's style.

Release and promotion

Singles

The album Angel in Realtime by was promoted through four pre-release singles, each offering glimpses into the record's themes of , family, and personal reflection. The , "the man himself", was released on October 7, 2021. The track serves as a meditative exploration of and familial bonds, inspired by frontman Dave Le'aupepe's experiences following his father's death. An official , directed by Joel Barney, accompanies the song and emphasizes intimate family dynamics through reflective visuals featuring Le'aupepe. The second single, "tend the garden", arrived on November 10, 2021, alongside the album announcement. Drawing from Le'aupepe's father's life story—including his time singing in church choirs—the song underscores themes of legacy, growth, and reconnecting with one's roots. A visualiser was released to promote the track, capturing its rhythmic, foot-stomping energy. On January 7, 2022, the third single "in the wake of your leave" was issued, functioning as an uplifting ode to departed friends and the lasting echoes of relationships. The accompanying , directed by Joel Barney and choreographed by Antoine Thomas-Rotolo, draws from and musicals, featuring vibrant dance sequences that amplify the song's celebratory tone. It achieved modest chart success, peaking at number 28 on the New Zealand Hot Singles Chart and entering Australian digital sales rankings. The final pre-release single, "spirit boy", dropped on February 23, 2022, just two days before the album's launch. The song delves into themes of sibling bonds and spiritual resilience, serving as a poignant family tribute within the album's narrative arc. A lyric video was produced to tie into the promotional rollout, highlighting its orchestral swells and emotional depth.

Marketing and rollout

The album angel in realtime. was announced on , 2021, alongside the "tend the garden," with the featuring a photograph of frontman Dave Le'aupepe's late father, emphasizing the record's personal and familial themes. Released through Mosy Recordings, an imprint of Warner Music Australia, the album received international distribution via , enabling global availability across physical and digital platforms. Pre-release promotion included digital pre-save campaigns on platforms like to build anticipation and ensure instant streaming access upon launch, alongside merchandise tie-ins such as limited-edition vinyl variants and apparel bundles offered through the band's official store, which provided early access to tour tickets for purchasers. Social media teasers from the band's and other channels highlighted snippets of tracks and thematic excerpts on , identity, and legacy, fostering fan engagement in the lead-up to release. Key promotional events featured an interview with Le'aupepe on the release day, , 2022, discussing the album's emotional core, and a feature album spotlight that included in-depth reviews and interviews exploring its narrative depth. The record launched on February 25, 2022, in multiple formats including double vinyl (with variants like white and limited-edition pressings), , and digital streaming.

Touring

Tour dates and venues

The Angel in Realtime World Tour launched on March 3, 2022, at the Button Factory in , , marking the beginning of the band's global promotion for the album. The spring 2022 European leg included dates across the and , with performances at venues such as the O2 Ritz Manchester on March 8 and O2 Academy in on March 12; however, several shows in this phase were postponed amid ongoing restrictions in parts of the continent. Following the European dates, the tour shifted to in April and May 2022, featuring stops at mid-sized venues like Majestic Theatre in , on April 21, Terminal 5 in on May 3, and Riviera Theatre in on May 6. Performances in , originally scheduled for late August 2022, were postponed due to the band's health concerns and rescheduled for February 2023, with shows at Hunter Lounge in on February 16 and Powerstation in on February 18. These were followed by festival appearances in during June, such as at Rock im Park in , , on June 5. The Australian arena leg ran from July to August 2022, commencing at RAC Arena in Perth on July 30 and highlighting major shows at Qudos Bank Arena in on August 3 and in on August 30. The tour returned to in October and 2022 for an extensive headline run, including dates at Paradiso in on October 25, Huxleys Neue Welt in on November 6, and a return to O2 Academy Brixton in on November 26. Several late-2022 North American dates were ultimately canceled due to frontman Dave Le'aupepe's ongoing health issues, including vocal strain and burnout. The itinerary encompassed roughly 50 dates across 2022, with select festival appearances extending into early 2023.

Notable performances

The album angel in realtime. received its Australian live debut during the band's homecoming tour, kicking off with a sold-out at RAC Arena in Perth on , , where they premiered several tracks including "the kingdom is within you" for the first time. The show featured explosive renditions of album highlights like "the angel of 8th ave.," marked by cannons and high-energy crowd engagement, with frontman Dave Le'aupepe singing amid fans during "." A poignant highlight came during the Perth set when Le'aupepe delivered a solo rendition of "brothers" from the album, followed by a verse from Indigenous Australian artist Archie Roach's "Took the Children Away" as an emotional tribute to Roach, who had passed away earlier that day. Le'aupepe shared personal stories about Roach's influence on his and music, connecting the album's themes of family, loss, and identity to broader cultural narratives. The performance also included collaborations with support act Gretta Ray, who provided backing vocals and led a rendition of "The Deepest Sighs, the Frankest Shadows," blending seamlessly with the band's expansive sound. To close the Australian leg of the tour, presented an acoustic and intimate set at Sydney's on August 22, 2022, stripping back the album's orchestral elements for a raw, sentimental finale attended by family and longtime fans. This low-key configuration emphasized Le'aupepe's vulnerable storytelling and the record's introspective lyrics, offering a contrast to the arena spectacles. Radio sessions further showcased adaptations of the material, including a triple j Like A Version appearance in 2022 where the band performed an acoustic take on "brothers" alongside a cover of Travis's "Why Does It Always Rain on Me?," highlighting the album's emotional core in a stripped-down format. Similarly, their BBC Radio 2 Sofa Session in January 2022 featured intimate renditions of tracks like "The Angel of 8th Ave." and "In the Wake of Your Leave," previewing the album's themes ahead of its release.

Critical reception

Reviews from critics

Upon its release, angel in realtime. received generally favorable reviews from critics, earning a Metacritic score of 76 out of 100 based on 10 reviews. Critics widely praised frontman Dave Le'aupepe's lyricism for its sharp, personal, and often unconventional depth, with Pitchfork highlighting how lines swerve from references to footballers to critiques of capitalism in tracks like "returner," contributing to the album's intimate emotional core. The album's ambitious scope was another frequent point of acclaim, as NME described it as a "towering account of love and loss" that channels raw grief and Samoan heritage into soaring stadium rock with polished grandeur and adventurous influences. Emotional depth also drew positive attention, particularly in stripped-back tracks; The Guardian noted that quieter moments like "Brothers" and "Hand of God" best capture the album's personal story of grief and family, allowing the band to shine amid the bombast. However, some reviewers critiqued the album's overcrowded arrangements and excessive length, which at 67 minutes can feel overwhelming in a single sitting. pointed out that the grandiose production and dense song structures occasionally result in overstuffed tracks that overshadow subtler elements, describing the album as "wildly ambitious" yet prone to excesses that dilute its intimacy. echoed this, faulting the heavier anthems for piling on drums, synths, and choirs, which leave little "air to breathe" and limit sonic experimentation.

Accolades and awards

Angel in realtime earned recognition at major Australian music awards in 2022. At the , the album received nominations for Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, Best Group, and Best Australian Live Act. It also secured a win for Australian Album of the Year at the J Awards, marking the band's first victory in the category after two prior nominations. The album's singles further highlighted its popularity through triple j's annual countdowns. The track "in the wake of your leave" placed ninth on the Hottest 100 of 2022, reflecting strong listener support.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

Angel in Realtime debuted at number one on the ARIA Albums Chart in , marking the band's second chart-topping album and holding the position for one week. The album also entered the at number 10, reflecting strong international interest bolstered by promotional playlists on and Radio 2. Its strongest market was , where domestic promotion and radio airplay contributed to success. On year-end tallies, Angel in Realtime ranked number 70 on the ARIA End of Year for 2022.

Certifications and sales

The album's commercial impact extended to revenue generation, powering the band's second number-one debut on the ARIA during its opening week in March 2022. Its streaming has been notable, accumulating approximately 63 million plays on as of November 2025. Sales breakdowns highlight a balanced mix of physical and digital formats, with vinyl editions proving especially popular among collectors and contributing significantly to overall units.

Track listing and credits

Standard track listing

The standard edition of Angel in Realtime comprises 13 tracks with a total runtime of 67:02. All tracks were primarily written by frontman Dave Le'aupepe, with co-writing contributions on select songs including "" (co-written with Max Dunn, Jung Kim, Donnie Borzestowski, and Tom Hobden). The album's sequencing constructs a progression, evolving from reflections on personal loss and family heritage to broader anthemic themes of reconciliation and redemption.
No.TitleDuration
1You in Everything6:52
2In the Wake of Your Leave4:04
3The Angel of 8th Ave.4:00
44:43
55:09
6Tend the Garden4:27
7The Kingdom Is Within You4:23
8Spirit Boy6:27
9Brothers5:54
105:39
11The Man Himself4:24
12Hand of God4:04
137:05

Personnel

The core lineup of for Angel in Realtime consists of on lead vocals, guitar, , keyboards, and across all tracks; Max Dunn on bass, , and on multiple tracks including 1, 2, 4–8, 10, 11, and 13; Donnie Borzestowski on , percussion, keyboards, and backing vocals on tracks 1, 4–8, 10, and 13; Jung Kim on guitar, keyboards, and on tracks 4, 5, 8, 11, and 13; and Tom Hobden on , viola, , and string arrangements on tracks 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, and 13. Additional musicians contributing to the album include conductor Peter Illényi on tracks 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 13; James Larter on marimba for tracks 1, 6, and 13; Ian Burdge on cello for tracks 5 and 11; Johnny Griffiths on clarinet, saxophone, and flute for tracks 5, 6, and 13; Ilid Jones on oboe and cor anglais for tracks 5 and 13; Matthew Gunner on French horn for tracks 5, 11, and 13; Dave Williamson on trombone for tracks 5, 11, and 13; and Nick Etwell on trumpet and flugelhorn for tracks 5, 11, and 13. The album features Pacific Islander influences through Shane McLean's taonga pūoro (a traditional Māori instrument), facilitation, and spoken kōrero on tracks 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, and 13; Seumanu Simon Matāfai as music director for the Auckland Gospel Choir's backing vocals on track 12 and additional choral elements on tracks 2, 8, 11, 12, and 13; and kaumātua Tony Gibbs providing spoken kōrero on track 6. Guest appearances include Adam Duritz on backing vocals for track 7 and Indiana Dunn—sister of bassist Max Dunn—on backing vocals and percussion for track 6. The album was produced by across all tracks, with additional production from Peter Hutchings on tracks 2, 9, and 11 and on track 2. Engineering was handled primarily by the band across all tracks, alongside Richard Woodcraft on tracks 1, 5, 6, 7, 10, and 13; Peter Hutchings on tracks 2, 3, 6, 8, 11, 12, and 13; and orchestral engineers Gergő Láposi and Péter Barabás on tracks 1, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 13. Assistant engineers included Clem Cherry and Emily Wheatcroft Snape on tracks 2, 8, 11, 12, and 13; Jamie Sprosen on tracks 2 and 11; Luke O'Dea on track 3; and Tess Dunn on track 6. Mixing credits feature on track 3 and on tracks 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10, while mastering was overseen by on tracks 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, and 10.

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