Album Leaf - Into The Blue Again
by Daniel Cressey
published: 20 / 8 / 2006

Label:
Select Label
Format: CD
intro
Haunting, melodic, largely instrumental pop on fourth album from electro act,the Album leaf
Despite their unquestionable prettiness and elegance there is always been a suspicion that some of the Album Leaf’s mellow wanders through music were slightly... well, slight. Like the person who leaves you breathless with their beauty, only to be something of a disappointment when you actually try to engage them in conversation. 'Into the Blue Again' puts some of these suggestions to rest with clear muscle underlying the beauty. Although the opening mellow instrumental ‘The Light’ is a pleasure, the second track ‘Always For You’ sets the bar higher and showcases the singer's little used voice. Here singer, songwriter and pretty much only band member, Jimmy LaValle attaches some purpose and drive to his melodies. The beauty remains, but attached to an insistence that is sometimes lacking. It may only be a love song, an oft-repeated theme, but done this well who can really complain? The fact there’s nothing new under the sun should not stop you catching a tan. In fact the vocals here are almost too sparse. More would be welcome. On his fourth album LaValle seems willing to eschew any apologising for his knack with a haunting tune and this is all the better for it. Ignore comparisons with Mogwai and Sigur Ros – who he has admittedly worked with – and just listen.
Track Listing:-
1 The Light2 Always For You
3 Shine
4 Writings On The Wall
5 Red-Eye
6 See In You
7 Into The Sea
8 Wherever I Go
9 Wishful Thinking
10 Broken Arrow
Band Links:-
http://www.thealbumleaf.com/https://www.facebook.com/TheAlbumLeaf
https://twitter.com/thealbumleaf
bandcamp
soundcloud
reviews |
Between Waves (2016) |
![]() |
Sparse but haunting latest album from the Album Leaf, the project of singer-songwriter Jimmy LaValle |
A Chorus of Storytellers (2010) |
In A Safe Place (2004) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Pennyblackmusic - Writers and Photographers' Albums of the Year 2024Man From Delmonte - Interview
Pennyblackmusic - Book of the Year Award 2024
Clive Langer - Interview
Johnnie Johnstone - Interview
Marianne Faithfull - Reflections
Laura Nyro - Profile
Vinyl Stories - Vinyl 2024
Bob Dylan - A Complete Unknown
Saloon - Peel Sessions 21.08.01 • 16.04.03
most viewed reviews
current edition
Ringo Starr - Look UpPixie Lott - Encino
Dorie Jackson - Stupid Says Run
Dusty Springfield - The BBC Sessions
Beabadoobee - This is How The World Moves
Emily Burns - Die Happy
Rosie Lowe - Lover, Other
Joan Armatrading - How Did This Happen and What Does It Mean?
Unthanks - In Winter
Oïmiakon - Comptoir Des Vanites
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart