Leeland - Opposite Way

Reviewed by Philippa McCracken

Leeland's music is written by our generation for our generation and 'Opposite Way' is a challenge to the youth of today to live the opposite way to the world. Leeland's first album 'Sound Of Melodies' sold over 100,000 copies Stateside and garnered Grammy and Dove nominations (as well as being a hit in Japan!). Now comes this fine follow up. One critic wrote recently, "It's rare for something so accessible to be quite so advanced." Very true. Frontman Leeland Mooring writes eminently catchy hooks and sings in an attractively keening voice yet the arrangements are progressively inventive with guitars and keyboards interlocking in unexpectedly inventive ways. Equally impressive is the production from Matt Bronleewe (Michael W Smith, Natalie Imbruglia). There is pure talent here, wrapped up in five 19-24 year olds and this album is well worth a listen. Leeland are clearly following the words of the second track, "everyone has their own sound, there's nothing wrong with living loud. . .let it out now!"