Flyleaf
Memento Mori

Flyleaf are the perfect fusion of melodic rock and solid harmony – like a louder and more ballsy Paramore trading blows with Evanescence, the group take things up a notch and turn the volume up past 11 on this. Opener ‘Again’ is a dark and seductive rocker that will appeal to anyone who appreciates the darker side of relationships.

Second track ‘Beautiful Bride’ is a chaotic and enthusiastic tune that recalls the best elements of nu-metal and chucks them in a blender with Tori Amos-style strength and sensitivity.  ‘Chasm’ comes off as a dark and defiant beast that will draw in fans of other great alt-rock bands like Chevelle and Jane’s Addiction. The drums will stab at your ears in the nicest way possible while the vocals encapsulate a variety of emotions that will resonate with your memories.

‘Missing’ fires off next and this one sees the vocalist examine herself as the band reach No Doubt-esque emotive pop heights. Meanwhile, ‘This Close’ attacks immediately with angst-ridden sounds that will surely excite in the live arena. The variety of influences and ideas explored in this track showcase the band’s longevity. While other group’s tend to stick to the same formula and talk about the same stuff Flyleaf are unquestionably pushing the boundaries of modern alternative rock.

Similarly, ‘The Kind’ is a anthem for those who have loved, obsessed and been broken-hearted. This might sound ridiculously emo but we defy you not to find something to relate to in these words. Next up, ‘In The Dark’ is a schizophrenic powerhouse that builds upon a backbone of cascading guitars and rolling beats for a real standout that displays just how varied and strong Lacey Mosley’s vocal register is. Follow-up, ‘Set Apart The Dream’ moves things forward sonically with a some beautiful words that clash with epic guitar work and addictive drum parts for a real ballad and a true standout that has the potential to bridge the generation gap and become the soundtrack to many a life and guide you through your worst and best days.

‘Swept Away’ readily displays the group’s grunge influences and as a result this is arguably the disk’s heaviest offering that draws massive influence from Nirvana’s most accessible work and the unit’s Christian beliefs. It’s a glorious mix of melodic sounds, erratic screams and addictive melodies that will surely see the band metaphorically tear the roof off of stages internationally over the coming months.

‘Tiny Heart’ is an extreme contrast and a piano-led pop-punk tune that features some nifty orchestral elements. On the whole this carries influence from The Cranberries for four minutes that collectively switches the pace of the album before ‘Treasure’ dives into the ear as an emotive and soulful tune that blends chugging riffs and some accessible feel good vocal work leading into ‘ Circle’ which rocks hard with jackhammer beats before Lacey’s trademark reflective words kick in to create an affecting track that looks at personal sacrifice.

Closing song ‘Arise’ ends things on a near euphoric note and smacks the listener immediately with steady beats and anthemic riffage that builds and builds towards a mosh-tastic chorus created to inspire and evoke. While people have perhaps in the past unwittingly dismissed the post-grunge stomping of Flyleaf because of the sheer abundance of female-fronted rock acts bombarding their lobes at the minute, this album should see them get the respect and attention they deserve.

Memento Mori is out now via Polydor

By Dominic Smith