This debut album from Leif Vollebekk is a wintry collection of songs of longing and leaving. Written half in Reykjavik, Iceland, and half in Montreal, the album takes its sound distinctly from both cities. Leadoff track In The Morning evokes vast windswept glaciers, with Vollebekk’s sparse acoustic guitar building into beautifully layered strings, piano and a lone tambourine. We’re drawn back into the snowy streets of the Plateau with songs like Northernmost Eva Maria and standout track You Couldn’t Lie To Me In Paris, which, despite its European title, pays homage to fellow Montrealer Leonard Cohen and to the artist’s French Canadian hometown. Inland is an album that benefits from both Vollebekk’s writing and arranging abilities, enhancing poignant lyrical stories with rich melodies that are sure to add a little warmth to any cold winter’s day. Watch Vollebekk perform at the Park Theatre on Wednesday, Oct. 27.

Published in Volume 65, Number 8 of The Uniter (October 21, 2010)