Thursday , March 28 2024
Rich and full old-school rock that is full, unique and meant to be played loud.

EP Review: Laylines

Growing up in the small town of Selma Alabama, the members of Laylines witnessed racial segregation. The lesson they learned from that was to accept diversity and to embrace all things new and different. The result was to funnel that energy into their music.

This is certainly evident in their self-titled EP, Laylines. Only three songs, but these are three distinct and original tracks. The songs are melodic, lyrical, rich, full and clearly are meant to be played loud. I hear several influences, but the songs, and the band itself, are unique.

Members Justin Flave, Zac Howard, Adam Pope, and Gregg Brown all had histories and beginnings with other bands local to the Selma Alabama region. Through mutual friends and similar goals, the four found their way together, beginning with Flave and Brown becoming a songwriting team.

On the forming of the band, Justin Flave, lead vocals and guitar, said:

We were just a couple of friends who liked Metallica, Hum and Sunny Day, who got together and rocked out. We got inspired by bands from other towns because there’s not really a scene there (Selma). There’re a couple of other bands there. But they’re all just ripping off Godsmack. They’re not really original bands or anything. We really couldn’t look up to the bands around us. The only scene there is, is that; but we’re not a part of it.

That thematic goal of maintaining originality and integrity in their music is one they have been successful in holding on to with this EP. “Bethlehem”, “Hold”, and “Freemind” are equally good tunes, heavy on the loud driving guitar and synthesized accompaniments. Flave’s voice is distinctive and his delivery is impressive and powerful.

[ADBLOCKHERE]In this day and age, when record labels are only interested in the formula and radio is only in for the flavor of the moment, it would seem this goal wouldn’t be the smartest business-end decision. But this doesn’t seem to be the case. College radio has given these tracks a spin, and the band has seen interest from major labels. Personally, I think if they hang on to their style, it will take them far.

Justin Flave says, “We just want to make honest music that someone would say, ‘If I was in a band, then that’s the type of music that I would want to play’.” I’m not in a band, so I can’t speak for that, but I can say the songs have already made their way to my “favorites” playlist on my i-Pod.

For more information about Laylines, their self-titled EP, and upcoming shows, visit their Myspace profile

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