It's been quite some time since Leafblade released their debut album (not counting the compilation 'To The Moonlight') - seven years in fact - which has built up some heavy anticipation for this, their sophomore effort. Casual fans will no doubt be alerted to the fact that Danny Cavanagh and Daniel Cardoso of Anathema fame appear on this CD. However, this is Sean Jude's baby and, along with Kevin Murphy (both ex-Valle Crusis), they are the true heart of this band. That's not to diminish the two Daniels in any way; their playing is subtle and appropriate and, along with the music itself, a thing of beauty.
I've had the pleasure of seeing Leafblade on a few occasions now (always as the duo of Sean and Kevin), and it was exciting to hear a couple of songs I'm used to hearing stripped-back live given the full band treatment. The essence of each song is the same - bolstered by Sean's poetic view to lyricism - but dynamically they are different creatures. Daniel Cavanagh's production skills really are taking shape, and he has become quite adept at allowing the music to breathe; the essential ebbs and flows. One thing that should be noted, since the release of 'Beyond, Beyond' back in 2006, is how the songs have developed from mostly, admittedly haunting, Celtic-folk to a combination of that style blended with rock bombast and dynamism. Some may see this as a return to the roots of Valle Crusis, but the tone and feel is far less foreboding, and far more uplifting than that. While billed as a progressive album, it may be tempting to mistake that for aping the classics of the seventies. And, while this does share the same love of vocal harmonies, swelling guitar melodies, and a sense that there is a greater thematic link (bordering on concept), this is progressive in the sense that it is quietly pushing modern song-writing into otherwise undiscovered waters. K-Scope too should be applauded for continuing to support forward-thinking musicians, striving to challenge listeners' perceptions; breaking down barriers between disparate musical genres. It's a truly exciting time to be a music fan, and Leafblade have joined the very best bands (Anathema, North Atlantic Oscillation, Ulver et al) in giving us music that will transcend age; becoming timeless.
Score - 9/10
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