Since the last time Leon were reviewed on this website they have been through some changes
including new members and a new direction. Out goes the Feeder/Hoobastank/Incubus sound of
old and in comes a much heavier, grungier but more epic sound.
Opener Ride kicks off with a massive riff before a spooky verse complete with three-part vocals
takes over. The track feels ready to explode at any time but actually manages to hold itself
back rather well – like an animal circling its prey. The massive production afforded the track
certainly works to its advantage. The mixture of distortion-heavy guitars and sweet vocal harmony
is at the very least intriguing, but, together with the rest of this ambitious grunge-prog epic
(if that’s not a contradiction in terms) it is captivating.
In terms of contemporaries, Leon will find much in common between themselves and Lyca Sheep.
This is particularly highlighted on second track Outside where the beautiful, echo-y vocals are
carried higher and higher by huge sounding guitars in another epic track.
Last track Perfect Take is – you’ve guessed it – epic. The overdrive is cranked to full and the
riffs are crunching and yet the vocals still float effortlessly over the top of it all. Owing as
much to Mogwai as it does the afore-mentioned Incubus, it’s another fine example of a band that
seem to be finding their sound. The only problem at the moment is that a full album of tracks
like this would make for a demanding listen, but on this EP it sounds terrific.
Whether you heard the old Leon or not, the new ones are certainly worth a go.