GIG REVIEWS

Flyleaf
@ Leeds University
2.03.08
www.vanguard-online.co.uk


It’s a tough job, supporting Korn, but Flyleaf have worked up a loud and visual show. Acting as main support, the band have to entertain a crowd waiting for the main act and make an impression. Knowing Korn’s sonic onslaught, that’s a tough one but Flyleaf showed more variety than the main act, with more colour in the music.

So, volume levels were below ear-bleeding tonight and dynamics were needed to make things lively. That’s where Flyleaf scored. They put on a solid bluster and hard riffage then front it with diva dynamics and a busy stage. The band work at keeping in motion – the bass player scissor-kicks with his mutton chop sideburns and jumps and twists, succeeding more at dramatic effect than playing music. The guitars whack back and forth, shaking their heads and Lacey Mosley (isn’t that a great first name?) stalks the stage. There is much monitor abuse and Lacey screams and yowls, stretching from a lickle-girl whimper (ala Queen Adreena) to a diva attack of shrieks. It is quite a spectacle. For the recent single, I’m So Sick, the bassist manages to stand still and plays a thrummy line, on which the song depends.

Lyrics are drowned in the sturm und drang but the visual effect is clearly thought out and benefits from the Korn lighting rig. Chugging guitars figure strongly and the metal is large and heavy. Guitars bring a degree of colour to the proceedings and the tortured vocals are the most exciting thing when you can hear them. Material is not the most original and isn’t that varied but they make a lot of it, working very hard to convince us of their belief in their work. Not least the bassist, who ends the gig by leaping off the balcony….

Ross McGibbon