Leif Vollebekk—Inland
VVVv
Singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk, whose name rolls so nicely off the tongue, has lived in Ottawa, Reykjayik, and Montreal. He moved to Montreal permanently just prior to recording Inland, but his constant travels have undoubtedly influenced his alt-country-inclined album.
From the beginning, Inland evokes feelings of nostalgia and a deep longing. First track “In the Morning” ironically opens with the chastisement “you don’t belong here,” but carries on to reveal an earnest account of heartbreak. There’s great musicianship at play—Vollebekk uses a wide array of instruments, from harmonica to electric violin, to back up his powerful vocals, often turning to muted acoustics.
Vollebekk sings outstandingly in French on “You Couldn’t Lie To Me in Paris,” and truly, his gorgeous voice is what primarily holds the album together. He alludes to religious hymns in “Northernmost Eva Maria” with a folkiness that make this ideal listening for teeth-chattering weather.
The best thing about this album is that Vollebekk truly allows us inland to his own persona, bringing his songs out from within, letting the listener in and then embracing us with his crooning.—Carmel Garvez
