Five albums in, The Album Leaf’s Jimmy LaValle has taken the risky decision to utilize his touring band on this latest album, making for a much more collaborative effort.
Whereas he previously played everything on studio releases, he has opened The Album Leaf up and acted as a conductor to the group of musicians. Mixed by Sigur Ros’ Jon Birgisson in Iceland, LaValle can rest easy in the knowledge that his new, open attitude has reaped dividends.
The Sun seems to have come out over The Album Leaf’s glacial landscape with some songs here edging towards a kind of elegant, and very pretty, pop.
7/10
Words by Nick Annan
