The Album Leaf

With the Album Leaf, Jimmy LaValle has become one of the leading forces in ambient indie rock. If avoiding the potential pitfalls of LaValle's chosen subgenre seem difficult -- where tranquility flirts with blandness -- Seal Beach finds the Album Leaf priding itself on melody and structure. Originally issued in 2003 as an EP in Spain, this North American version boasts five previously unreleased live tracks realized with the help of one-time tourmates Sigur Rós plus one studio rarity, "For Jonathan." Sadly beautiful glitch-hop may be the best way to describe "Malmo," which thrives thanks to lilting elements, but the warm piano tone and percussion boost of "Brennivin" and the soft, synth-carved touches of the title track stand out. Simply crafted and routinely soothing in nature, Seal Beach glimmers with the hypnotic and engaging wares of LaValle. [This version of the EP contains bonus tracks.] ~ John D. Luerssen, All Music Guide