Atlantica - 01.02.2002, Blaðsíða 35

A T L A N T I C A 33
Most people in Iceland were just coming to hear of Leaves, when they were tipped by
the NME. This peculiarly British-sounding band had been together for four months
when they were booked to take their demo offering on tour in the UK. Instead of the
backwater pubs and student-union circuit, this gang of childhood friends took tunes
from their debut EP Breathe to major-league crowds at the Shepherds Bush Empire
and the Glasgow Barrowlands.
But what makes Leaves so easy to absorb? Their sound is very familiar. On the first lis-
ten, there’s a good chance you’ll find The Beatles there, and Radiohead, and The Divine
Comedy, and even Duran Duran if you will. Leaves songs get stuck in your head. If you
call that ‘haunting’, then they’ll haunt you. Although as the old adage warns, familiar-
ity isn’t always a good thing.
“We didn’t plan that it would sound any particular way,” says bass player Hallur.
Although he agrees that they sound a bit sad. “It’s bitter-sweet,” he affirms, “although
there’s optimism in there too.”
And there’s good reason for Leaves to have a positive outlook. Not half a year in the
making and they’re signed to independent label Be Unique and are busy touching up
that demo for the world’s delectation. If you’re radio-friendly, then you’ll probably hear
them soon, because there’s no question that they are too. JMcC
Leaves
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