Leafing through Autumn Falls 2: Jens Lekman

For the past few years, this Swedish singer-songwriter’s warm, layered melancholy has been a firm favourite to accompany the falling leaves. His new CD was not recorded in his hometown of Göteborg, for a change, but in Melbourne. The extra UV rays have not made an enormous impact on his mood. On I Know What Love Isn’t, the singer remains a pure romantic who tries to mend his broken heart with some songs. He sheds an old love the way an oak sheds its leaves in the autumn. Is that why his new songs sound somewhat balder? Fortunately, he sprinkles his wistful lyrics with some humour this time. And he injects sad lyrics with an upbeat melody, as though spring has already appeared on the horizon.

Jens Lekman: 29/11, 20.00, Botanique (+ Ravens & Chimes)

Autumn Falls • 26/11 > 2/12, Ancienne Belgique, Atelier 210, Botanique, Madame Moustache, Magasin 4, VK*, www.autumnfalls.be