Flyleaf reminds listeners to “be mindful of death”
Posted by The Skyliner on November 18th, 2009Candice Paschall
Staff Writer
After riding the success of their first album for four years, Flyleaf is back with the long-awaited sophomore release Memento Mori. Their self-titled debut put the quintet on the world’s radar and the band literally became a sensation. That album spent an incredible 133 weeks on the Billboard 200, so coming back with music to top that would be a daunting task for any band. Flyleaf, however, didn’t seem fazed by their immense success and made Memento Mori into yet another unforgettable album.
Throughout the album, the band reminds its listeners to enjoy the life they have and to not take it for granted. The phrase Memento Mori is Latin for “be mindful of death,” which is what the band portrays continuously. While their last album seemed to be about healing, this one focuses on hope. Before the album was released, the band performed acoustic concerts for troops stationed in Afghanistan, offering the soldiers a glimmer of hope through their music.
“These troops were so thankful that we were there and that they could just enjoy life for a minute. That’s exactly what Memento Mori means. Life’s important, and it’s brief. You never know when it’s going to be over for you or the people around you. You have to make the most of every opportunity you’re given,” lead singer Lacey said on the Flyleaf website.
The 13-track album reflects this theme through songs that are intricate both lyrically and musically. Flyleaf continues to be a grungy alternative band with sometimes screaming and throaty vocals, but Lacey’s haunting voice sets the band apart from the other alternative bands in the market.
Perhaps more importantly, the band’s lyrics reflect the hope that it never loses sight of. “Swept Away” is particularly beautiful; the chorus says, “Time for surrender/Spread out your open hands/And He will raise you up.” Lacey has always been open about her faith, and it really shows in this particular song of surrender. “Set Apart This Dream” is a power ballad all about dreams and hopes. The album’s current single, “Again” seems to present the picture of hope the best with lyrics that say, “Only surrender will help you now/I love you see and believe again.” Not only are the lyrics refreshing in a world with so many shallow songs, but the song as a whole is incredibly infectious.
Flyleaf does an exceptional job of combining meaningful lyrics with hard-hitting music throughout Memento Mori. Actually, this album is more musically diverse than the band’s freshman release. It balances out the number of ballads with straight rock songs worthy of head-banging. “Missing” has a popish sound, while “In the Dark” is reminiscent of “I’m So Sick” with its screaming vocals.
As a whole, Memento Mori succeeds as a sophomore release following an explosive debut album. Fans are sure to enjoy the band’s variety in both lyrics and musical styles. Flyleaf might have grown up in four years, but the music they make certainly hasn’t gotten boring.
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 10