Leif Vollebekk’s Revelation, his fifth studio album, emerges as a deeply introspective and dream-inspired work, marking a tranquil departure from his earlier explorations. With its gentle rhythms, airy orchestral elements, and unhurried piano melodies, Revelation feels like an auditory reflection of the solitude Vollebekk embraced during the pandemic.
Crafted during a time of stillness, the album mirrors a period when the Montreal-based singer-songwriter withdrew from the frenetic pace of touring and recording. Instead, he built a studio, tended his garden, and found inspiration in books, music, and the ephemeral visitors of his dreams. As Vollebekk explains, “A lot of the songs are dreams I wrote down,” including “Rock and Roll,” a track born from an imagined encounter with the late Jeff Buckley. In the dream, Buckley performed a song for him, leading Vollebekk to awaken and hastily transcribe what he heard.
The result is an album that resonates with a sense of discovery and creative freedom. Recorded primarily at Dreamland Studios in Woodstock, NY—chosen for its connection to the Americana trio Bonny Light Horseman—Vollebekk surrounded himself with a talented ensemble, including bassist Shahzad Ismaily and drummer Olivier Fairfield, who also contributed to his acclaimed 2017 album Twin Solitude. The recording process was organic and collaborative, capturing full takes that felt instinctively right. Contributions from Angie McMahon, steel guitarist Cindy Cashdollar, and the Brooklyn Youth Chorus add texture and depth to the already lush arrangements.
Themes of acceptance and renewal weave through the album’s lyrics. On tracks like “Surfer’s Journal,” where he sings, “I guess I came here because I was on fire and I don’t want to burn,” and the single “Moondog,” with its refrain of “Tired of living in the pouring rain,” Vollebekk reflects on emerging from personal and creative lows. The title track, “Revelation,” captures this spirit of surrender and serenity, celebrating the beauty that can arise when we let go and embrace what life offers.
Vollebekk describes the experience of creating Revelation as profoundly fulfilling. “For the first time ever, I got exactly what I wanted,” he shares, marveling at the organic way the songs came to him. While he continues to puzzle over their meanings, the album’s meditative tone speaks volumes, offering listeners a chance to join him in finding solace and beauty in life’s mysteries. – Jason Felton