Leif Vollebekk

With a simplistic formula such as the “singer-songwriter” card, it’s tough to emerge as a standout in today’s sea of talent (and non-talent), but that is exactly what Montreal’s Leif Vollebekk does. Imagine a less hectic, stripped-down version of Patrick Watson – minimal instrumentation that’s still able to create a grand spectrum of emotions backed with a heartbreakingly beautiful voice to narrate every song. Vollekekk’s debut album, Inland, is a perfect collection of gentle melodies and harmonies that’s quite fitting for the current fall weather, in fact. If anyone should discover Leif Vollebekk, it should be now. Vollebekk takes the classic sounds of acoustic guitar and harmonica and fuses them together with modern violin loops to weave masterful arrangements, each one different from the other.

Last Wednesday night was my first time experiencing Leif Vollebekk’s music live (and just in general as I had never listened to him prior to that) and I instantly fell for him – musically speaking, of course. Okay fine, he’s undeniably handsome too but that’s besides the point! His live performance is even more captivating, especially when he starts to use his violin loops and builds a wall of sound, making us feel like there’s a full band backing him up. Definitely worth checking out if he’s playing a venue near you soon!

Inland was originally released in November ’08 but will be re-released via his new label Nevado Records (home to Bahamas and Yukon Blonde) on January 19th, 2010 on CD and vinyl (something tells me that vinyl would be mind-blowing).

***

For more Leif Vollebekk,

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/leifvollebekk