Singular paced plod-rock from Ireland.
Bland is the new black. For every heart-stopping wide eyed and wonderful new band, there appears to be a clutch of mid-paced plodders who speak for the grey majority, making music the equivalent of a stock portfolio, something that'll fill a gap in the conversation of a dinner party.
Leya have been hotly tipped as Ireland's most promising band but for all the obvious talent, there is little excitement or energy on this debut album.
Put simply, Leya are the perfect band for people who may like Starsailor but find them a bit too racey at times. Vocally sounding very much like the cheeky chopped crooner of alcoholics, the band are hamstrung immediately by the monotone delivery and unexciting lyrics.
In certain moments, such as the intro of 'All On The Black', the vocals soar and hint of going places but quickly tail off and an almost accapella introduction starts to wear and the guitars, when they come, are a blessed relief.
The press release trades on the fact that Gary Lightbody of Snow Patrol rates the vocals of Ciaran Gribbin as extraordinary but sadly this stands as a testament to how much Lightbody has lost the plot and vigour of a band that promised so much as opposed to be a positive critique of Gribbin.
Being mindful not to put the boot in too much, what saving graces can Leya take from this review? Musically, it's well played and is produced well. Theres a lot of space created and the tinkling pianos and scarce accompaniments work well.
'The Dream That Money Bought' stands out as a highlight and is vastly different from any other track. The verse is muted and thoughtful with the vocals being murkier in the mix and it comes across well. Sadly, the chorus returns to the sub-Muse histrionics but overall, the track acts as a welcome relief to the other songs as its venom and anger snaps away at the listener and finally shakes some life into the record. The underlying bass on this song is one of the highlights of the record.
The fact that it stands out so much should be a concern as the rest of the album washes over without leaving any great residue. Leya will likely find an audience, and if they are giving people what they want and are enjoying life, then they shouldn't give a damn about what this reviewer thinks of them. Which is probably just as well.