Things are looking up for Patrick Krief.
Dovetale (out June 7 on Rock Ridge Music) is the new record by the Montreal singer, songwriter, and guitarist, a triumphant union of contemporary pop and rock sounds that emerged from the literal honeymoon phase of Krief’s marriage. While domestic bliss doesn’t typically the inspire the kind of open-heart poetry and high-octane pop sound that Krief is known for — and his previous release Automanic was an epic double album fueled by heartbreak and self-destruction — the conception of Dovetale found him at the peak of his game artistically as well as personally.
That said, not everything has been rosy for Krief, and the fallout from some bad times still found its way into his latest batch of songs. The album explores the wonderment that comes with the first blush of new love (without being too maudlin about it) as well as some of the insecurities that come with blossoming relationships. Musically, Krief indulges in lush strings and layers of melodic guitars, yet he also scaled back the dense arrangements that he feels he’s been hiding behind, highlighting an impressive vocal range — from a masterful falsetto to a half-sung baritone reminiscent of Leonard Cohen.
Having been a co-writer and guitarist with Montreal “orchestral pop noir” band the Dears for nearly a decade, Krief’s “solo” career has evolved from side-project band (Black Diamond Bay) to more of a one-man effort with a succession of guests to a truly solo endeavour — Krief plays all the instruments on Dovetale. Recorded and mixed between Krief’s home studio and Mixart in Montreal, the album echoes dream pop and shoegaze as well as the classic pop, rock, and folk that have always been Krief’s songwriting foundation. The songwriting and sonic finesse of the Beatles, in particular, remain touchstones for Krief, but there was one other artist he kept coming back to during the making of Dovetale: himself.
Today Glide is excited to premiere “Tonight”, one of the more uplifting tracks on the album. With a shimmering array of synthy sounds and lush, orchestral production, Krief channels 60s and 70s melodic rock glory. Reminiscent of ELO and George Harrison’s beautifully wonky guitar solos, the song has a fun, bouncy energy that feels simultaneously like a throwback and like something totally fresh and new. While anyone who has listened to Krief’s work with the Dears knows he is an inventive guitarist, “Tonight” showcases his penchant for writing deliciously catchy pop tunes.
Listen to “Tonight” and read our quick interview with Patrick Krief below…
What inspired you to write this song? Is there a particular story behind it? Did the lyrics come first or were you noodling around with the music first?
“Tonight” was probably the last song on the record I finished the lyrics to. The music and melody were done for some time, and I grappled a little with finishing the words. I had certain key words jumping out at me — “You didn’t have to tell me, I already knew” — kinda just came out naturally as I noodled with the melody. I got around to finishing the song when honeymooning with my wife in Italy. We spent a day feeding ducks by the water in Lake Como, and for whatever reason I looked at her and thought, “How did she know?” and that became the theme of the song. The words just poured out at that point. I wrote 13 or 14 verses and chose the ones I felt suited the song best.
What do you hope people take away from hearing this song?
I hope the song can lift someone out of a gloom, or add a little energy to their day. I hope if can serve as a reminder to be grateful to someone in your life.
Who are your biggest influences?
The Beatles have ruled my existence since childhood and still do. But this particular track had me referencing The Jackson Five and ELO.
Dovetale is due out June 7, 2019 on Rock Ridge Music in the U.S. For more music and info visit krief.ca.
Photo credit: Marc Etienne Mongrain
