At the Brits 2006 Chris Martin announced that we won't be seeing Coldplay for a few years. While it wasn't entirely clear what he meant, if they're intending on taking a sabbatical, Leya could well be the band to step into the breach.

Leya are one of the hottest new bands in Ireland having been voted Ireland's Most Promising Band in a recent pole. And let's face it; the Emerald Isle has been the home of some of the brightest talent we've ever seen – Thin Lizzy, U2, Eleanor McEvoy, Rory Gallagher, Van The Man. And there's a common thread – passion.

And that's something Leya have in spades – they're an impassioned mix of U2, Coldplay, Keane and Starsailor. Their debut Watch This Space has already spawned a well-received download only single – The Dream The Money Bought and two Eps – All On The Black and On All My Sundays. All charted top 40 in Ireland and all feature on the album.

Let's Pretend - a sprawling number opens with breathy Bono-esque vocals before exploding and into a Coldplay groove with the vocals moving into Starsailor territory. It's an excellent start and lays down a blue print for most of what follows.

For the most part the album is keyboard dominated with some evocative, and consistently excellent vocals from Ciaran Gribbin. Most tracks start in a low-key mood before exploding or building steadily into soft rock that will appeal to any self-respecting fan of the aforementioned bands. Only The Dream The Money Brought beaks the mold with the guitar turned up to eleven and a real rock ‘edge' supplemented by vocals that have an almost Depeche Mode feel.

But if you're someone who likes the occasional dalliance with pop/rock of a melodic persuasion, then Leya are well worth a punt.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly