With a sound that seems freshly imported from europe, the surprisingly Baytown, TX bred band, Leeland, are the up-and-coming faces of alternative worship music. They're sophomore release, "Opposite Way", is sure to turn a few heads of the contemporary christian scene, as it's singer and frontman, Leeland Mooring, already has with many of the big names in the industry. While working on the follow up to their debut disc, "Sound of Melodies", he also helped write for "Stand", Michael W. Smith's latest project. In the face of numerous Dove Award nominations as well as a Grammy nomination, Leeland had plenty of pressure when writing their latest release, which also included that industry specter, the dreaded sophomore slump. On Feb 26, 2008, Leeland dropped "Opposite Way" on the world, and here's what the world got. Right from the start, they open up maybe the most catchy song on the entire disc, "Count Me In". With it's euro-inspired, pop-rock sound, the first track is an anthematic experience that says we're ready for what Your doing, God. Throughout the rest of the disc, the themes range from not being afraid to stand out for God in "Let It Out Now" and title track, "Opposite Way", to being God's love in the world in "Wake Up". Also in the line-up are aome un-ashamedly worship tracks, like "Enter This Temple", "Don't Go Away", "Thief In The Night" and "May Our Praise". While these songs satisfy the worship song criteria, they are sometimes filled out with the repetitious christian jargon of the day and a few seemingly un-inspired lyrics. One of the highlight tracks, on the other hand, is the not only well written, but beautifully performed "Falling For You", a repentance inspired, alt-rocker with some really great vocals as well as full band support. Another well done song is just before, called "Brighter Days". With a piano lead sound, it seems more like the theme for an emotional indy movie and brings about thoughts of hope in the midst of adversity. Overall, a solid outing from a band with one foot in the contemporary scene and one in the indy sound, and pulling it all together to make full c.d. that not only encourages the church to be the church, but also a good listen. -j. cunningham
