Flyleaf - memento moriFemale solo artists and female-fronted bands are definitely on top lately.

With that in mind, I thought I would review Flyleaf’s Memento Mori and introduce you to a band hot on the heels of Paramore. Flyleaf was formed in 2000 and like Paramore, has a solid Christian faith. If this isn’t your bag, please don’t let it put you off.

Flyleaf is excellent; in December 2007, MTV was awarded the Artist of the week.

Their song Tina features on the game Guitar Hero 3, and I’m So Sick, taken off their first album, is also on the soundtrack to the film Resident Evil Distinction. All members are from, surprise, America! Their first album, which was released in 2005, went platinum. However, they still don’t seem to be widely known.  I have no idea why. Of all my friends that were introduced to Flyleaf, not one of them disliked their music. Even my Lesbros love them.

Memento Mori is a Latin phrase for “be mindful of death”, and this is explored lyrically throughout the album. Flyleaf’s music is sometimes a little rockier than Paramore’s, but they are just as catchy and have those powerful choruses that will soon have you loving every second.

First, listening to it had me hooked on Missing. The lyrics to this song show a raw vulnerability we can all relate to. In The Dark and Circles are also instant favourites.

I would suggest you download these for a taster. Lacey (lead vocals) has a compelling and distinctive voice, and all members are undoubtedly talented musicians. The band has produced a powerful album packed with passionate and emotional rock with an addictive edge.

What you’d be listening to this month if it were up to me

Whilst riding high on strong female characters, I thought I would recommend a book this week that has arguably one of the strongest female characters I have encountered. Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy is an astounding set of books. The first book takes a little while to get going, but I’m sure you will be as enthralled as I was. Lisbeth Salander is seriously my hero! The second book is even better than the first, and the 3rd is just as excellent as the 2nd

What’s on my iPod

It’s shuffle time again; last three songs were Tegan and Sara – Alligator, Lovehatehero – America Underwater & Dance Gavin Dance – And I Told Them I Invented Times New Roman.