By: Kevan Breitinger
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Opposite Way
Essential Records
Rock
02-26-2008
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SCORE
93%
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Massive hype surrounded Leeland’s debut, and continued to add to the pressures of a sophomore album from the Texas-based quintet. But it’s like they walk through it completely unaware, dropping the artful, epic Opposite Way with ease, even writing some of the strongest material, apparently, on the flight to Nashville to record. Whatever their process, it’s working. Opposite Way builds on the band’s effervescent, vigorous expressions of worship, taking things to the next level.
Their familiar lush orchestration opens the pulsating “Count Me In,” a track thick with lyrical expectancy and that Brit rock vibe they’ve made their own. Leeland is a band as complex sonically as they are bold lyrically, as the affirming “Let It Out Now” reminds us. Challenging the mindless conformity of some of our practices, Leeland’s passionate vocals comment: “We’re stuck in a system/ Is anyone different/ Is anyone listening/ Everyone has their own sound/ Let it out now.”
Some tracks are strongly reminiscent of the debut in their vertical eloquence and distinctive soul-piercing focus: the worshipful “Enter The Temple” and guitar-driven rocker “Wake Up.” The hard-hitting title track is a masterful juxtaposition of sharply focused truth penetrating glimmering atmospheric sonics, contrasting Christ’s costly faithfulness in the Garden to our daily complacency. Very nicely done. I fell hard for the irresistible “Beginning And The End,” Beatlesque in its melodic bounce, but once again straightforward in laying out the reality of the crucifixion.
Expressive piano ballad “Brighter Days” highlights Leeland’s soaring vocal and looks for the hope to come, while organic song of confession “Falling For You,” is textured by thoughtful guitar nuances. I found the deeply worshipful piano ballad “Thief in the Night” stunning in its powerful simplicity, and the prayerful and passionate closer, “May Our Praise,” reminds us movingly of how undeserving we are, and how holy is our God.
Opposite Way reveals again the preternatural gifting of this youthful band, sure once again to show up on any listing of the year’s best.
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