Arnar Gudjonsson (vocals/guitar), Hallur Hallsson (bass), and Arnar Olaffson comprise the Icelandic indie rock group
Leaves. Taking their name from the
Nick Drake album
Five Leaves Left,
Leaves originated in Iceland's capital city during summer 2001. Gudjonsson had been holed up in a red house writing songs, and once Hallsson joined him,
Leaves came to life. By October, the trio had several songs under their belts and played their first live show, an 800-crowd gig at a local art gallery. Looking to expand their horizons and gain new roots,
Leaves looked to London. They signed a deal with B-Unique before the year's end and issued
Breathe. This 11-song set found
Leaves crafting a moody, swirling pop sound. The British press adored them, often comparing
Leaves to
Radiohead and
Coldplay. Shared dates with
the Coral,
Supergrass, and
Electric Soft Parade followed as well as smaller gigs in America. In spring 2003, DreamWorks caught wind of
Leaves' impressionable musical style and offered them a stateside deal.
Breathe was slated for a domestic release in September. ~ MacKenzie Wilson