Sondre Lerche; here, in arms

Had he come of age in the '70s during the golden age of the singer/songwriter, Sondre Lerche (pronounced "Sonder Lerkay") would likely be an international star rather than a Norwegian phenom/cult favorite. Lerche took to music early and recorded his acclaimed debut Faces Down at 18. It displayed versatility and...

By Chris Parker

November 10, 2011

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "18855504",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2",
          
          "watchElement": ".fdn-content-body",
          "astAdList": [
            {
              "adType": "rectangle",
              "displayTargets": "mobile"
            }
          ]
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17105533",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1",
          
          "watchElement": ".fdn-content-body",
          "astAdList": [
            {
              "adType": "rectangle",
              "displayTargets": "desktop|tablet"
            },{
              "adType": "rectangle",
              "displayTargets": "desktop|tablet|mobile"
            }
          ]
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105532",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25,
          
          "watchElement": ".fdn-content-body",
          "astAdList": [
            {
              "adType": "rectangle",
              "displayTargets": "desktop|tablet"
            },{
              "adType": "rectangle",
              "displayTargets": "desktop|tablet|mobile"
            }
          ]
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105535",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25,
          
          "watchElement": ".fdn-content-body",
          "astAdList": [
            {
              "adType": "leaderboardInlineContent",
              "displayTargets": "desktop|tablet"
            },{
              "adType": "tower",
              "displayTargets": "mobile"
            }
          ]
        }
      ]

Had he come of age in the '70s during the golden age of the singer/songwriter, Sondre Lerche (pronounced "Sonder Lerkay") would likely be an international star rather than a Norwegian phenom/cult favorite. Lerche took to music early and recorded his acclaimed debut Faces Down at 18. It displayed versatility and pop sophistication well beyond his years, exploring Beatles-esque melodies, swelling Brill Building elegance, the sentimental soft rock of Harry Nilsson and even Brazilian bossa nova. His willowy tenor possesses the fey air of a cool autumn breeze, at times suggesting a less theatrical Rufus Wainwright. Indeed, Lerche's unassuming manner and sly lyrical wit tend to imbue his songs with unpretentious everyman charm. His debut made him a star in Norway and found critical support in America, though somewhat diminished by Lerche's wide-ranging tastes; subsequent albums explored jazz, (inspired by a tour supporting Elvis Costello) punchy new wave rock and movie soundtracks (Steve Carell-vehicle Dan in Real Life). However, Lerche brought it all into focus with 2009's Heartbeat Radio. Easily his finest release, it consolidates his varied interests in a lyrically sharp, well-wrought effort. His new self-titled album follows that same thread showcasing his skill as one of the most gifted pop craftsmen since Elliott Smith.

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, Dallas Observer has been defined as the free, independent voice of Dallas — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.