Genre: Pop/Rock, Worship
Members: Leeland Mooring (vocals, guitar), Jack Mooring (keyboards, vocals), Jake Holtz (bass), Mike Smith (drums), Matt Campbell (guitar)
For fans of: Keane, Snow Patrol, Travis, Coldplay, U2, Delirious
Label: Essential Records

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Passionate, progressive and worshipful are just a few adjectives to describe the band Leeland, and the heart behind its sophomore album, Opposite Way. Not only does the GRAMMY and four-time Dove Award nominated band live up to the buzz from Christian music's most influential artists (including Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, Third Day, Chris Tomlin and Switchfoot to name a few), but the Baytown, Texas-bred five piece exceeds expectations through eleven gems of prayerful power, and life-changing substance.

"A major theme on our new album is toencourage our generation to live passionately for the Lord, evenwhenit means going the 'opposite way' of the world," muses front man Leeland Mooring, (also a respected songwriter outside of the band, who prominently contributed to Michael W. Smith's recent album, Stand). "It's OK to be different. It's OK to 'live out loud' for God. Our goal is to be a creative outlet, helping toraise up a new generation of worshippers who do whatever ittakes to make that 'opposite way' a reality in their lives."

The band's age-range is 19-24 years old, giving them an ability to speak to high school and college age listeners, not to mention adults of all associations interested in artful musical expressions and a spirit of revitalization. On Opposite Way, the gang builds upon the astute musical influences first addressed on 2006's Sound of Melodies, including Travis, Coldplay, David Gray and U2, while tapping into its original blend of dynamic ebbs and flows. Yet that complexity is merely the initial platform for a more involved message, which centers on witnessing to the world at large.

"The underlying theme is to act out in faith and reach out to the world," the front man continues. "It's all about keeping your eyes open and looking for opportunities, whether coming across a lady at the store who looks stressed out and praying for her, or reaching out to a homeless person on the side of the street. When we worship, we feel the presence of God in a powerful way, but one of the biggest ways you can encounter Him is through acting out in faith on a daily basis, and living out the love of Jesus."

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