HOUSE OF LEAF – Wrongs To Right (2012)
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HOUSE OF LEAF marks the solo debut of one of Sweden’s most talented singers, songwriters and musicians: Leif Sundin. Among insiders, he is considered a singer’s singer.
Leif has been the lead vocalist of many a well-known bands since the start of his singing career. At 19, Leif fronted Swedish band Great King Rat. At 24, he was asked to join the Michael Schenker Group.
After MSG, he was the lead vocalist in John Norum Band, forging a creative relationship that still lasts. More recently, he provided lead vocals for the long-awaited solo album by ex-Thin Lizzy legend Brian Robertson.
Besides, the man wrote and sung backing vocals for acts as diverse as Andy McCoy, Talisman, Pandora, and dozens of other artists.
And now, it’s time for his own project House Of Leaf. Written and produced by Sundin himself, recorded and engineered with Robert Wellerfors, the album consists of the best songs he’s written over the years.
Sundin could easily have done a metal, a blues or a pop album if he wanted. This time, he chose to focus on timeless, rootsy, soulful Classic Rock with some Americana approach, using the pure sound of guitars, bass, drums and ‘that’ voice.
The opening track “Wrongs To Right” comes right at you with a catchy rhythm combination of guitars, keyboards and occasional harmonica. The sound creates a lovely, live, real effect, reinforced by Sundin’s colorful vocals.
“Someday, Somewhere” features a heavier guitar intro and the structure brings to mind American great Tom Petty.
“Wash Away Yesterday” is a fantastic ballad featuring some beautifully poetic lyrics and a musical style similar to the recent Mark Spiro album. The guitar solo is deep and melodic surrounded by a Hammond organ.
Another great tune is “Rainy Day Song”, aptly represented on the cover by a picture of raindrops running down a window. There’s a gentle acoustic guitar theme through the song that makes you want to get up and sway to the music.
“Follow The Light” ups the tempo again showing Sundin undeniable rock roots, on “Broken Old Record” the consistent use of acoustic guitars and Hammond infuses a more folksy feel, while “Steal Your Love” is a stripped-back song with emotional lyrics.
“Wrongs To Right” is classic and timeless Classic Rock. Even on hearing it for the very first time, it strikes a chord in your memory and you feel like you’ve known this music forever.
The album demonstrates the tremendous skill and experience of the musician behind it, and the fact that Leif Sundin is more than just an outstanding singer.
What makes this versatile multi-instrumentalist special is his aptitude to write heart warming lyrics that conveys the emotions of one’s yearning and optimism all through music – music which can be described rock of ages.
Leif’s voice really suits the mood and tone of this album. It’s strong yet husky, mellow with an occasional hint of vulnerability.
If you liked the last Mark Spiro album, “Wrongs To Right” is right up your valley.
It’s organic, it’s real, and it’s based on performances, rather than studio trickery. Real music, and you can feel it.
01 – Wrongs To Right
02 – Someday Somewhere
03 – Wash Away Yesterday
04 – Rainy Day Song
05 – Follow The Lights
06 – Broken Old Record
07 – Steal Your Love (bonus track)
Leif Sundin – Everything
John Norum – guest Guitar
Brian Robertson – guest Guitar
BUY IT !
itunes.apple.com/us/album/wrongs-to-right-ep/id461044482
