Reviewed by Greg Sammons

It would seem that at the moment almost every European country in the last few years has produced its own Evanescence, meaning that there is no longer the novelty value of female-fronted rock/metal. However then along came Flyleaf. This is a band driving with passion and energy . and a female lead vocal. The easy (and also ridiculously lazy) thing for me do, would be to say how similar they are to Evanescence, despite them having very little in common. Take away the singer and the music sounds completely different, on one hand you have the gothic and operatic, on the other you have a much more American brand of rock that has been influenced by every type of rock from the last 15 years, from grunge through nu-metal to well (post) grunge! Their lead single from the EP, "Breathe Today", is a barnstormer of a track and deservedly received considerable rotation on American radio. Despite being on Octane Records, label of Maroon 5, there was a good 6 month gap before it got any distribution in Europe and now serves purely as a taster for their forthcoming album, which may well be out by the time you read this. Add to that lead single, two well balanced tracks and a brilliant tribute to the modern martyr, Cassie Bernall, and you have an appetite whetted but not yet satisfied. One weakness is that whilst she has a great singing voice, the vocalist's screaming seems a little strained and may be something to be avoided for the album. But all the same, bring on the album!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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