Photo Credit: Album Artwork
Normally changing your lead singer can see a decline in a bands status and while Flyleaf haven’t been that active in the UK for quite some time now, their new album Between The Stars is the first to see new front woman Kirsten May take the reigns, after Lacey Sturm left the band in 2012. This album comes as a rebirth: with new life comes new meanings and the transformation of this band is unequivocally bold. Stepping their foot on the accelerator, the band have played to the strengths of May, allowing her vocal talents to shine. Between The Stars is an account of a band who still have plenty to give.
The very fibre of the bands heart and soul was poured into making this album, which you can feel as you listen to this album. Flyleaf’s emotions have been imperative to their song writing ethos and again they have let it all out, with some quite wonderful prose and crunching instrumentals. Between The Stars still keeps a hold of their Christian charm, despite the album not being as religious while garnering their sound to still satisfy the many metal fans they picked up on the way. By employing pop-hooks through out we have something more substantial on our hands.
We get introduced with the anthemic ‘Set Me On Fire’, which showcases the heavier side to this album. Its pulsating bass line and technical guitar riffs are a match made in heaven, as its big stadium filling chorus erupts as May’s voice is already standing its own ground. Her voice is robust, it works in harmony with the heavier side of the bands music as well as the softer, more pop driven aspect, its completely malleable. ‘Traitor’ sounds like a roughed up No Doubt, with a huge angelic chorus to hook you in and a pop rock inspired guitar riff, it’s a strong nod towards the mainstream.
‘Platonic’ and ‘Head Underwater’ tone down the instrumentals, with May’s vocals taking on an almost country and western vibe. Keys take precedence on the latter, creating an harmonious blend of soothing guitar licks and calming piano melodies that leaves you feeling rather euphoric. ‘Well Of Lies’ brings back the use of distorted guitars and more pedal to the metal action. It’s gritty riff and sludgy bassline reminds us of the Flyleaf of old, a track that could well be found on Memento Mori, its definitely one to keep the hardcore fans pleased.
The atmospheric nature of ‘City Kids’ is an uplifting soft rock song, exuding an awe from the heavens, as May shines once again on vocal duties. With it becoming very easy to digest with its radio-friendly vibe, the tables quickly turn as these thunderous guitar tones rip right through the speakers and an almost demonic scream rattles your ears drum. The unexpected surprise will send shivers down the spine, it gives the listener a false sense of security. The exhilarating soul of ‘Home’ is tailor-made for bringing a bit of sunshine to anyone’s day, it lets the rays through and gives you the feeling that the grass is greener on the other side.
Flyleaf anthemic charm still gets you hooked in as you delve into this world of uplifting alternative rock that comes fully loaded with resonating choruses. Between The Stars is the prefect introduction to a new front woman, which will no doubt change all the opinions of the hardcore Lacey Sturm fans.
