Full International 2024 Tour Dates

Oct 1, Salzhaus Winterthur, Switzerland
Oct 2, Strom Munich, Germany
Oct 3, Flucc Vienna, Austria
Oct 5, Lido Berlin, Germany
Oct 6, Knust Hamburg, Germany
Oct 7, 013 Poppodium Tilburg, Netherlands
Oct 9, Gebäude 9 Cologne, Germany
Oct 10, 4 Café de la Danse Paris, France
Oct 11, De Roma Antwerp, Belgium
Oct 12, Paradiso Amsterdam, Netherlands
Oct 14, CHALK Brighton, UK
Oct 15, New Century Hall Manchester, UK
Oct 16, Button Factory Dublin, Ireland
Oct 17, QMU Glasgow, UK
Oct 18, SWX Bristol, UK
Oct 19, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire London, UK
Oct 22, Pumpehuset Copenhagen, Denmark
Oct 23, Debaser Stockholm, Sweden
Oct 24, Vulkan Arena Oslo, Norway

Nov 7, Union Transfer Philadelphia, PA
Nov 9, Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
Nov 10, Union Stage Washington, DC
Nov 12, Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR
Nov 13, The Showbox Seattle, WA
Nov 16, The Independent San Francisco, CA
Nov 18, Troubadour Los Angeles, CA
Nov 23, Fox Theatre Boulder, CO
Nov 24, Bluebird Theater Denver, CO

Shakenstir Review

For me there have been precious few records in 2024 that have truly impressed me, moved me, sustained my interest in the art. Vollebekk’s latest record deserves praise and support for all the reasons that makes music still the most communicative and emotive art. So what do I look for in a record that inspires and moves me? Well, the first track on this record pretty well sums those reasons up in a memorable and stirring song. ‘Rock and Roll’ opens quietly, almost imperceptibly, with a distant percussive beat that soon opens up to introduce the most beautifully judged orchestral intro. The contemplative, compelling and full-range vocal enters as the song’s pace steadies to a medium level that has me locked-in. The melody is mighty while the lyrics are simple and effective: “Flowers wilted when the days got hot/Slow motion wheels on a fast moving truck/I’m driving around just to pick you up/But I can’t find you.” There’s pathos, symbolism, truth and sincerity aplenty, - it’s a powerful opening gambit.

The steady but slower rhythm continues with the next song, ‘Southern Star’, which boasts another memorable melody but adds country undertones which renders the song even more interesting. ‘Peace of Mind’ is next, this time with piano introducing this beauty. The vocal is stunning with occasional high notes to add to the strong expressiveness of the vocal. What strikes with the first three songs is that each of them could so easily be played often and widely on mainstream radio whilst maintaining the artists’s quality, integrity and skill. There’s another set of convincing and truthful lyrics: “last night I prayed for direction/This morning when it showed/I didn’t hold on/Now baby it’s gone/You tell me now that’s just how it goes.”

‘Surfer’s Journal’ sustains the remarkable quality and sensitivity of previous songs with its wonderful musical arrangement and production, strong melody, deeply expressive vocal performance and great lyrics. ‘Moondog’ is the record’s first single which is surprising but inspiring in that it’s some distance from what one expects to hear blowing through the airwaves. It’s a darker, more contemplative tune with brilliant acoustic guitar moments with arguably the only concession to the mainstream is the chorus which repeats: “Tired of living in the pouring rain.”

‘False-Hearted Love’ moves along slowly like a wounded animal but then speeds up as the song’s mood changes. The pace changes back to a slow march in what is a romantic song reflecting loss and regret. The multi-layered vocals work as they should in emphasising sentiments. There’s another powerful melody that compels one to hold onto the songs. Brilliant! ‘Elijah Rose’ is a conversational piece with Vollebekk seemingly speaking to a child: “But there’s a beautiful star/Wherever you are/I see it shining/Shine through your clothes.” Guitar and drums work in perfect harmony but allowing the passionate and expressive vocal space to make its immaculate mark. The song’s slow pace emphasises the emotional depth of the song. With so many great songs here it’s impossible to pick a favourite although this one must come close.

‘Mississippi’ is an example of how the artist varies the style and vibe of the songs here whilst sustaining the emotional power of his song-writing. There are moments when the instrumental backing is almost imperceptible before they appear in full-dress. The guitar moments are classic blues while the incessant drum rhythm forms a solid and durable foundation. ‘Till I See You Again’ moves at glacial pace with piano notes alone supporting a highly reflective vocal. It’s another example of the wonderful musical diversity on show here. It’s another romantic song with lyrics to match: “When you are gone/I’m without a song/I’m without the rain/Till I see you again.”

This brilliant and moving record ends with the upbeat and short ‘Angel Child’ with its country underbelly and hopeful, optimistic note. For me, this is the perfect record and the best I have heard in 2024. With the dreadful events happening around the world, and the deadbeat political climate, this record brings hope and while there are sad messages here it is not a depressing record, rather one that excites, inspires while still moving like few records have in 2024. Essential.

5/5