Sound of Melodies (CD - 2006)

Hailing from Texas, Leeland is a five-piece Christian rock band fronted by Leeland Moring, who was only 17 when this album was recorded. The band has a very distinct early-2000s alt-rock sound, reminiscent of bands like Coldplay and Travis. Their lyrics are unmistakably religious, proclaiming an infectious joy in their praise of God. While most of the album consists of guitar-driven rock, there are a number of down-tempo keyboard songs as well. Fans of Christian rock will enjoy this heartfelt and easily listenable album.

There is something to be said for fresh approaches. On their debut disc Sound of Melodies, Christian alternative band Leeland brings a disc with flavor and dynamics. From the intro title cut to the very end the band delivers polished musical excursions' that are capped with well delivered vocal prowess. Fronting the band is 18-year-old Leeland Mooring. Besides musical chops what Mooring brings to the table are thoughtful lyrics and an amazing songwriting maturity. Cuts like "Reaching" really come to the fore at mid-song, while "Yes You Have" seems to derive from a perfect formula. The emotional vocals of Mooring really come alive here. It's obvious he's lived these songs. His heartfelt presentation is testimony of it. ~ Steven Douglas Losey minimize