Leya - 'Watch You Don't Take Off' (Ruby Works) Released 17/04/06

With the anthemic melodies of Coldplay, the heart wrenchingly moving lyrics of Embrace and the down to earth appeal of Snow Patrol, Leya are sure to be coming from a radio near you soon.  Hauntingly captivating melodies intertwine with mesmerizing honest vocals that despite their love lorn lyrics have a wonderful spirit lifting quality.  The Irish four piece may write about love lost and relationships gone awry but this doesn't mean they'll drag you down to the depth of anguish and leave you there.  On the contrary, each track leaves an almost rose tinted feeling that enhances the moral fibre rather than crushing it.

Eerily channelling the spirit of the late Jeff Buckley, 'Again' vocally sweeps and soars fuelled by emotionally charged lyrics that culminate in the confession of "cause I can give up".  Leya aren't however restricted purely to the sincerity led soft rock. 'The Dream That Money Brought' is a cynically charged pessimistic dose of dirty rock that builds to a frenzy of flaying guitars and thumping drums whilst 'Moving On' trots along at an almost pop like pace.  Previous single release, 'All On The Black' fittingly finds its place on 'Watch You Don’t Take Off' and makes the impact it failed to do as a single.  At just under seven minutes its difficult to understand why it was ever released as a single in the first place but when surrounded by the other tracks it comes into its own and all its qualities are at last able to shine through.

Brutally honest and musically astute, Leya look destined to cash in on the emotionally laden piano led rock that has served Coldplay, Keane and most recently Kubb.  Musically and lyrically they have what it takes to make a strong impact but whether they have the ability to stand out from the pack, only time will tell.