LEIF's "Breakdown & Burnout" is a pulsating Balearic anthem straight out of the '90s

14 October 2016, 11:30 | Written by Andrew Hannah

(Tracks)

Based between Oslo and Berlin, Norwegian producer Leif Haaland has been making music in one form or another for a few years now, but he's finally hitting his stride with his solo project LEIF.

With previous successes under the guise Leif & The Future with whom he released the Songs of Youth album in 2012, Haaland has made a break for solo stardom with the ode to '90s clubbing that is "Breakdown & Burnout".

Co-produced with Daniel Tjäder (Korallreven, Radio Dept., Yoo-Yoo) the track is euphoric from the off, jammed full of Balearic synths, 303s and Italo house piano. LEIF adds a slightly yearning vocal, just to remind you that there's always a morning after to those seemingly endless nights of clubbing.

LEIF explains the song is about the lie of a perfect life, saying "what about those who don’t get the top grades at school, are never going to have the body of a supermodel, or are struggling with social anxiety? Or people like me who are still trying to live the pop star dream, but end up sitting at a cafe worrying about how I’m going to make next month’s rent?"

"Breakdown & Burnout" is out now via Popklubb, with a debut solo EP to follow next month.