The Golden Leaves – Tres /III

Review By SIMON KIDD

The third studio album from the Norwegians is a difficult follow-up to their previous release, the excellent live album Still Dancing // Still Screaming // Still Alive – Live at Rockheim. Across 12 full tracks spanning 40 minutes, the band demonstrate a growing maturity in both their songwriting and performances, while losing none of the venom that emerges whenever their inner punk is unleashed.

From the opening chords, there is a distinctly American 1960s flavour to Javier Campos’ guitar work. Given that the opener is titled Bonneville, that influence feels entirely appropriate. The retro vibe echoes throughout much of the album, particularly on Golden Days and Surf Barbie and the instrumental Vida. The second half of the record leans more towards the melodic and reflective, with tracks such as The Leaves, Valkyries, and The Rebel Social Club showcasing the band’s ability to create genuinely beautiful and atmospheric music.

Yet it is when the band crank up the intensity and throw caution to the wind that the album truly blossoms. This spirit is perfectly captured in the emphatically titled FAFO, RAGE! and RIOT! For this reviewer, however, the standout moment is the magnificent FIGHT! — a shock-and-awe burst of energy that in under two and a half minutes could dislodge teeth fillings and rattle kidneys.

I’m still not entirely sure where this album places The Golden Leaves in terms of genre or identity, but there is no doubt they are a talented band. They possess strong musicianship, confidence, and enough variety in their songwriting to appeal to a wide audience. Hopefully, this proves to be their breakthrough record, because they clearly have a great deal to offer and as a unit who have released three studio albums so far in their short career, they are worthy of much greater things.

The Golden Leaves:

Lead Vocal – David Nikolaisen

Lead Guitar/piano – Javier Campos

Rythm Guitar – Johan Breivik

Bass – Ådne Gerhardsen

Drums – Lars Sollie

Tres /III is released on Friday 26^th June

FB @Thegoldenleaves

Insta @thegoldenleaves

Reviewed by Skid