Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

LEEDS - Symmetry and Sin

8/20/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
LEEDS

Symmetry and Sin
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Ted Rogen


LEEDS is one those bands you listen to and you would never figure they are as young as they are. The members are all in their early twenties and their second release entitled Symmetry and Sin is inspired by ‘60s and ‘70s classic rock not unlike that of Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent and Alice Cooper. Despite missing the birth of the type of music they play by a couple of decades they pull it off brilliantly.

Connor Bracken who is the lead singer/ lead guitarist and songwriter is a force to be reckoned with. First off when he sings he sounds about ten years older than he is and I kept imagining he looked like a seasoned biker who was about 6’2 with a full, thick beard that wasn’t neatly groomed. Besides having a God-given voice that was born to rock he also is an accomplished songwriter who innately taps into the essence of classic rock.

The songs on Symmetry and Sin are meant to be sung along to out loud and most likely with a sufficient amount of alcohol. They are anthemic songs that beg you to raise your fists and wave them in the air with the tempo of the music. As much as I love recorded music I can’t help but think that this is music best heard live.

The album starts with a minute-and-a-half intro entitled “Symmetry and Sin,” which is the calm before the storm. It’s pretty much spoken word before the band plummet s into “Devil’s Eyes,” which combines a fast drum beat, foundational bass and gritty, distorted guitars that have that vintage ‘70s sound. It immediately sets ups the cathartic purge of emotions that continue throughout the rest of the album.

If the song “Radar Love” by Golden Earring had a cousin it would be “Best I’ve Ever Had.” It has not only had a similar melody but also a similar structure. “We Are Free” is the most memorable song on the album. With an anthemic chorus that shouts, “We are free you and me” I instantly put the American flag around my shoulders and starting strutting around my living room. They channel the essence of The Who on this and would make Townsend proud. 

They close with an acoustic number entitled “Shelter from the Storm.” Normally, I don’t like albums that end with a softie but this one felt appropriate. I mean you really can't top “We Are Free.”

LEEDS has made some minor improvements from their first release last year. At this point they are consistent and refining their sound. Symmetry and Sin is one you won’t want to miss. 
Become a Fan
official website
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band
© Divide and Conquer 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact