My New Soul

AMG Review of My New Soul

Jason MacNeil
All Music Guide

Ranging from the clapalong in the opening title track to the different version of the title track which ends the presentation, a path of the influences and styles on this Toronto musician litter the ten songs between. What comes across is how heavily influential Manic Street Preachers, and particularly their epic The Holy Bible album, have been to Leyton. Even certain pictures of him resemble Richey James. The similar structures and lyrical content ooze attitude without being overtly visible, thus making a unique tension-filled dichotomy. Songs such as "First" and "Leo" are not exactly radio-friendly in length but appear to be the obvious peaks in a rather high-quality range of songs. Only "Perfect World" is questionable, with a rather indifferent vibe throughout. An overall solid, if varied, album.