Left London

Tiffany Lew
2/23/2011

Robillard is an indie alternative rock artist ready for mainstream success.

A couple of months ago, the popular biodegradable SunChips commercial featured a whimsical song that immediately caught my attention. The problem was: I couldn't figure out who the artist was and all together let the song go. Fast forward a bit, and an artist's name is placed with the song.

Millions have already heard Marc Robillard's "So Much More," and now they'll be introduced to more of his music on his latest album, Left London. Although the Canadian-born artist hasn't released an album since 2005, his latest one deserves to put him on the must-listen indie alternative rock radar. Robillard sounds ready for mainstream success.

Robillard's dedication to his craft really shines through in his emotionally powerful lyrics. The song, "Unfold," has lyrics like, "Let me open up those pretty eyes/And show you how to fly/If I could show/You are the gold/Then you would know/How it all could unfold." Beautiful guitar strumming highlights the lyrics.

The album really features Robillard's soulful and slightly smoky voice. "OK" reflects hints of country influence and a folksy vibe. His voice is nicely steady throughout, with his songs tending to be a smooth mix of mellow with upbeat.

The track, "Without You," is especially reminiscent of notably rising artists Tyrone Wells and Joshua Radin. The song features string instruments, especially stirring violins. Lyrics, such as, "So what went wrong/The stars/They are gone/And I feel like a piece of my heart is gone too/Without you," are thoroughly heartfelt and moving.

Some of the tracks are haunting, like the song, "Ghost." The emotion is raw and stripped to bare it all. He softly sings, "I've been watching you close/I can hear every word/You say/I want you to know/I'm melting away/I need you tonight." The song is subtly powerful.

Robillard ultimately has a hugely radio-friendly sound. However, his songs are rooted in touchingly truthful lyrics and deep human emotion. Just as his lyrics to "Contagious" say, the album is "understated, beautiful, and true."

Left London will be released March 29.