Sound of Melodies

Description

Sound of Melodies is the debut album by the American pop/rock band Leeland, released on Essential Records in August 2006, distributed by both Provident-Integrity Distribution and Sony BMG Music Entertainment. The album was recorded by Rusty Varenkamp (tracks 1 to 4, 6, 8, and 11) and Derri Daugherty (tracks 5, 7, 9 to 11) and was produced by Matt Bronlewee (tracks 1 to 4, 6, 8, and 11) as well as Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong (tracks 5, 7, 9 to 11), the latter two of The Choir fame. Mixed by JR McNeely (tracks 1 and 4) and Shane D. Wilson (tracks 2, 3, 5 to 11).

Leeland sound remarkably like the now defunct Californian indie band Paloalto, which in my book is a fine thing. Think a happier and more muscular Keane and you’re mostly there. Musically, this is classic songwriting, a sparklingly hummable set of songs that would sit neatly alongside recent albums by Delays or The Thrills. Unfortunately the lyrics are often burdened with overbearingly religious language. «Lift Your Eyes» is a gem of a pop song and as catchy as anything you’ll hear all year, but the chorus of “Lift your eyes, come up to the cross/ There is healing for all who come” sounds like it was written by a 19th century street preacher. It’s all true, but a little heavy handed, and that may be because the frontman is 17. But if he can write tunes like these now, give Leeland Mooring’s songwriting a couple of years to mature and you’ve potentially got one of the Christian bands of the decade right here. This is a great album, no mistake, but if Leeland can learn to say no to the jargon, album number two will be something really special. In the meantime, investigate the exciting new band who’ve been taken under Michael W Smith‘s wing. [Jeremy Williams, Cross Rhythms, October 2006]

> iTunes

CD tracklist:

01. Sound Of Melodies – 5:01
02. Reaching – 3:25
03. Yes You Have – 4:23
04. Tears Of The Saints – 6:18
05. Beautiful Lord – 4:29
06. Can’t Stop – 3:38
07. Lift Your Eyes – 3:02
08. Hey – 3:35
09. Too Much – 3:46
10. How Wonderful – 4:13
11. Carried To The Table – 5:43

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