They say that when you’re listening to a true communicator, you may not always remember what they said, but you will remember how they made you feel. That was my experience on the last night of February 2025 at Montreal’s MTELUS.
The evening commenced with an intimate and unassuming set by Reuben Bullock, whose soulful melodies and oak-barrel-whiskeyed voice channelled heartfelt lyrics, setting a contemplative tone, perfectly complimenting the night’s main act.
As the lights dimmed, a palpable jolt of anticipation filled the venue. Leif Vollebekk took to the stage with a gentleman’s swagger, opening his set with “Rock and Roll,” a track that immediately captivated the audience with its raw emotion and intricate instrumentation. This choice set the tone for the evening, blending introspective lyrics with dynamic musical arrangements.
Indeed, throughout the night I was surprised, pleasantly, by the hard left turns when it came to his chord changes. Music so often is a balance of familiarity with surprise, and Leif’s harmonic choices stood out as rejuvenating and creating catharsis at the same time.
Leif has an incredibly simple stage move that always works, whether at a piano or on guitar. Leif raises a free hand and searches through the air as he sings, as if he’s groping for God in the dark, stabbing and pumping his fist, trying to grasp a tail of this spirit that began in his sensitive, tortured singing.
Midway through the set, the atmosphere shifted from intimate to electrifying as British singer-songwriter James Bay emerged from the wings. The duo launched into a stirring rendition of “Peace of Mind,” their voices intertwining seamlessly, creating a harmony that was both powerful and poignant. The surprise collaboration added an unexpected layer to the performance, leaving the audience in awe of the synergy between the two artists.
The surprises continued as, a few songs later, English songstress Birdy joined Vollebekk on stage for a hauntingly beautiful duet of “Southern Star.” Their combined vocals elevated the song’s ethereal quality, casting a spell over the audience that lingered long after the final note. These collaborations showcased Vollebekk’s versatility and willingness to explore new musical territories, enriching the whole experience.
Throughout the night, Vollebekk demonstrated his prowess as a multi-instrumentalist, seamlessly transitioning between piano and guitar, each note delivered with precision and passion. The setlist was a carefully curated journey through his discography, with tracks like “Into the Ether” and “Hot Tears” highlighting his ability to convey deep emotion through both lyrics and melody.
The venue itself, MTELUS, provided an ideal backdrop for Leif’s music. Its acoustics allowed for the nuances of Vollebekk’s music to shine, and the intimate setting fostered a connection between the artist and the audience that is often elusive in larger venues. I will note that, as is often the case, I found the midrange sound mix in MTELUS muddy and undefined at times, making it a little harder to focus on one of the great strengths of the man – his lyrics.
That’s my one note I guess; let the words ring clearer.
As I was heading to the show, I set foot outside my apartment and immediately slipped on the ice, hurting a couple of spots on my back. I got up and got myself to the show and eventually found myself a semi-comfortable spot to prop myself against and forget about the growing stiffness and strain in my upper body. But it was a great show to experience while in a little bit of physical discomfort like that.
I don’t remember so much of what was said, but I will long remember that it made me feel amazing.
8/10 I’m a new Leif fan.
Review – Mike Rogers
Photos – Steve Gerrard
