W: Matthew long

Alex, Leave!’s new single “Headphones” arrives November 12th, promising a compelling glimpse into a project embracing complexity and intensity.

The musical project of Alejandro Ayala, known as Alex, Leave!, is set to unveil a significant sonic shift with the release of the new single “Headphones” on November 12th. Originally from Mexico and now based in the vibrant London scene, Alex Ayala has been using his project as a cathartic outlet since launching it in 2022, a process that is now driving the music toward a more intense, Art-Rock landscape.

Alex, Leave! describes his earlier work as home-recorded Indie Pop and Post-Punk, a sound that offered escape for a younger version of the artist. The new material, however, signals a distinct turn.

“Now, I’d describe it more as intense music leaning towards Post-Rock, Art-Rock, or even Prog-Rock,” Ayala explains. He points to influences ranging from the visceral sound of Swans and the complexity of Casiopea to the energy of local heroes like black midi (BCNR) and Latin rock legend Charly García.

This evolution is embodied in the upcoming single, “Headphones.” While originally featured on his debut album SOLO, the track has been completely reworked for the full-band live setting, emerging as a "dark post-rock song."

Lyrically, “Headphones” moves beyond simple musical themes, delving into deeper emotional territory.

“Lyrically, the song is about the feeling of losing someone we might have a strong sense of dependence on,” Ayala reveals, adding the unexpected, relatable comparison: “It’s compared to losing a pair of earphones, an object I can honestly say I’m dependent on.”

The single is touted as a clear marker of the project’s new sonic identity, offering fans a taste of what’s to come as Ayala prepares to potentially release a full-length album.

Ayala acknowledges that his greatest strength lies in composing, where ideas flow naturally in solitude, much like his creative sparks often strike unexpectedly on the Tube. Conversely, he cites communication during band rehearsals as his weakness, humorously admitting, “It’s hard for me to express my vision... so I always end up making weird noises to explain the parts. The funny thing is that, in the end, my bandmates actually understand those noises.”

Despite a preference for staying focused on his solo sonic exploration for now, Ayala maintains ambitious live plans, hoping to play more full-band shows and one day even a 10-piece performance. He cites influential Hispanic artists like Depresión Sonora and Ed Maverick as the catalysts for him starting music in the first place.

Looking ahead into 2026, the focus remains on output: releasing more music and expanding the live experience, with an eye on the local, experimental ecosystem: “I like to think my music is heading more toward The Windmill ish scene.”

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