Leif Vollebekk - “Long Blue Light”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 8

Pairs Well With…James Vincent McMorrow, Patrick Watson, David Ramirez

Leif Vollebekk continues to deliver resonant, heartfelt balladry, his latest being 2020 single “Long Blue Light”. A soft, alt-country number, “Long Blue Light” has a timeless feeling to it, melodically beautiful and subtly catchy for a slow tune. Paired with a minimalist, piano-led take on Bon Iver’s “29 #Strafford APTS”, Vollebekk is settling into his ability to impact with a whisper or let his sonic soul float wistfully throughout his patient, lovely songs. (Kevin McStravick)

2020 Review: Leif Vollebekk’s fourth record New Ways slipped below the radar when released last fall and it’s worth digging up heading into 2020 to hear the Canadian folk-pop artist smoothly evolve as a songwriting and performer. Hints of R&B melodies seep into Vollebekk’s soulful sound, leaning on piano-pop balladry to weave his emotive tales. It’s a trip from his Americana foundations, but still features Vollebekk’s dynamic voice front and center to tug deeply at the heartstrings.

2014 Review: For three years running, I’ve been high on Canadian singer-songwriter Leif Vollebekk, but it’s after repeated listens of 2013’s North Americana that his OEB score demands to be pressed up to a “10”. Front to back, Vollebekk has delivered an adventurous, lyrical take on modern folk. The music and vocals are stunning throughout, just so meticulous and note-perfect. I hope that somehow this record finds it’s way to so many more ears – Leif Vollebekk’s gift is something truly special.