Reviewed by Jeremy Williams

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.

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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