The Leaves - Breathe

Shuttup, They Aren't Coldplay

I don't want to hear one more allusion to Coldplay, one more allusion to some British Indie band that The Leaves sound like. They are a unique band, and though I can't say I know of the music in Iceland, some unique influences are clearly evident. Their songs don't follow the conventions of Coldplay, and sometimes take multiple listens to get the hang of. The sounds they make are definitely odd at times, but they manage to tie it all together, to make it all feel unified. The only thing even remotely like the aforementioned band or genre is the singer-who isn't actually that much like Chris Martin because though his range is well into the high notes its also well into the lower regions as well, which is a nice surprise in certain songs. I think both this and the Angela Test are strong albums, but the Angela Test is stronger. They are both worth the money though. July 12, 2007

Excellent

I bought this on the strength of a free download song on iTunes (Shakma, which is on the follow-up album "The Angela Test") and I was certainly not disappointed.

The album is excellent with catchy but relaxing melodies and quality production. As a first album it's very impressive, and The Angela Test, their next offering, was even better, but Breathe is still an excellent album to introduce you to Leaves.

In terms of style, I suppose people who like a more rocky version of Coldplay would enjoy this. November 27, 2006

Sigur Ros Lite

The Leaves often get compared to fellow Icelanders Sigur Ros, and that comparison isn't entirely innaccurate. I suppose one could refer to them as a more accessible version of Sigur Ros. They have the same kind of dreamy, ethereal, wintery atmospheres, but with shorter songs, more hooks, and more singable vocal melodies (with lyrics in English). They also have a bit more of a Brit rock sound, similar to Radiohead (the vocals are often reminiscent of Thom Yorke).

But beyond that, comparisons should be kept to a minimum. These guys for the most part have a very distinctive sound. All of the songs are awash in peaceful, pastoral guitar melodies, adorned with layers of strings and pianos. The album's only real fault is that it's a little bit repetitive, but the songwriting is still strong throughout. And, not to bring up Sigur Ros again, but these guys lack the ingenuity of that band to take a somewhat uniform sound, and just really make it completely eveloping and enthralling for long periods of time. This album tends to get a little monotonous from start to finish, although each song individually is good.

But anyway, this is a pretty good album, and despite all of the above comparisons, it is a sound that stands out. Can't quite say it blew me away, but still good stuff. October 13, 2006

Leaves

Please, give this wonderful Icelandic group a play. This album is quite good for a pleasant surprise of the Indie type of music. The group is comparable to Coldplay. The sound is pleasant. The mix is great. I stumbled on this group by listening to a sound bite VIA Windows Media player. This CD is for Indie, (Euro) purists. August 1, 2006

I'd Give 'em 10 Stars If I Could

I've had this album since it was released in 2003 and it REMAINS one of my favorites - front to back today. I give copies to everyone who will take it.

For comparison sake, this band is reminiscent of (and are as strong as) The Doves. It is extremely sad to me that they haven't been embraced in the States. Not marketed properly, no tour support, etc. I do feel that if more people knew of them, they would have been well received, but... alas...it is the nature of the nasty industry.

I haven't picked up their sophmore release, Angela Test, because it is an expensive import. From what I've heard, it's a pretty big departure. I guess all the Coldplay & Radiohead comparisons pissed them off?

I really think these Icelanders are talented. July 16, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...