Flyleaf

by Jenny Bennett 

Flyleaf rocks. I could end this right there, but there's so much more to say.

In discussions about what's hot in Gospel and Christian music this year, this metal, repeat, metal band has been at the very top of the list. Their debut album released in October 2005 and has been picking up steam ever since, permeating mainstream airwaves and selling more than 100,000 copies without much promotion at all. (The name wasn't familiar but when I listened to the album I realized I had already heard their stuff played on 99X, Atlanta's alternative rock station.) They re-released a CD/DVD edition in October of this year.

But lead singer Lacey Mosley is not even sure Flyleaf is a Christian band. All five members of the band are Christian, and they're not ashamed to say that without a doubt, their music is a reflection of their faith. (Just Google the lyrics to Red Sam among others and you'll see strong evidence of that.) But they've been able to build a fan base that's perhaps more diverse than most Christian bands are able – or even willing – to enjoy.

I admire both sides of the coin. On the one hand, there are praise & worship bands who desire to play predominantly at churches and write overtly Christian lyrics. Many of those groups believe that's where God has called them to be. Unarguably Gospel and Christian music would not exist without being rooted in and revolving around the church.

Then there are bands that play the Christian music circuit seemingly only to take advantage of the genre's surge in popularity. A sad truth.

Then there's Flyleaf that seems to fall in the middle of the two. They're completely open about their beliefs, say they pray for their tourmates, and do not shy away from singing about Jesus.

He knew each tear before He came
Soon He will perforate the fabric of the peaceful by and by
Sorrow lasts through this night
I'll take this piece of You and hope for all eternity
For just one second I felt whole
As You flew right through me and up into the stars
Joy will come
~From Sorrow

No matter what, You're gonna build my shell
My scars are Yours today
I love You and I understand that You stood where I stood
~From I'm Sorry

But who are You
You are the truth (You are the truth)
I'm screaming these lies
You are the truth (You are the truth)
Saving my life
My hands are open
And You are filling them
Hands in the air
In the air, in the air, in the air
And I worship
~From Red Sam  

But the band is also open to playing to any audience in any venue, touring with non-Christian bands, and writes about dark subjects (abuse, suicide, addiction). This inclusive approach (guitarist Dave Navarro plays on their track There For You) has naturally been successful for them.

Their diversity relates not only to their willingness to play with and for Christians and non-Christians – but also to their musical range and unique sound. Mosley's young but powerful voice moves from soft and gentle to downright caustic all in the same breath. But somehow it works so well. Whether or not you're a metalhead there's no denying it – that girl can wail – adding a signature sound to an already superbly talented band. 

Even the name points to their creativity. "A flyleaf is the blank page at the front of a book," explains Mosley [in the band's web site bio]. "It's the dedication page, the place you write a message to someone you're giving a book to. And, that's kind of what our songs are – personal messages that provide a few moments of clarity before the story begins."

Along with thousands of other fans, I'm eagerly awaiting the next chapter in their story.

flyleafmusic.com
MySpace

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