Busy San Diego musician Jimmy LaValle has recorded his fourth LP as The Album Leaf. His own style is unique but still somewhat of an extension of his roles in bands like Tristeza, The Locust, Gogogo Airheart, and The Black Heart Procession. It's primarily instrumental, atmospheric but grounded, utilizing classical, jazz, and electronic elements, with the focus on creating sounds rather than songs. Simple keyboard lines create sweeping visualizations, tick-tocking drum programs become click-clacks of a train on its way somewhere, while the listener looks pensively out the smudged window at the passing landscape. LaValle attempted vocals himself this time, on just the few tracks that called for them; the first, "Always For You," is buoyed by the confidence and determination of the vocal chorus. There is emotion, yet plenty of room for the listener's own interpretation and experience on songs like "Shine," "Writings On The Wall," and "Into The Sea." Violinist Matt Resovich adds soaring violin that has a strong part in the development of the mood on each track. Although LaValle isn't writing a score to accompany anything visual here, it still seems like it's made just for that purpose. There's no question this album is sure to follow up on the success garnered by the previous LP, Into A Safe Place, which was licensed for television on The O.C. and several networks. Look for The Album Leaf to tour throughout the next couple of seasons, producing its signature multi-dimensional show experience thanks to visual artist Andrew Pates' creative interpretations of LaValle's songs.
Penelope Biver
Release date: September 12, 2006
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