Indie Music Album Reviews

LEEDS - Symmetry and Sin

8/20/2014

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.