Better known as the guitarist for Tristeza, Jimmy LaValle records on his own under the name
the Album Leaf; this is his second album. Like the first, it's a primarily downtempo, guitar-centered record, made up of moody and attractive compositions that feature long lines and slow developmental processes. The more contemplative numbers ("Wet the Day," "Gust of...") bring to mind early-'70s
Brian Eno; in fact, "Wet the Day" evokes "Discreet Music" specifically in several places. On other tracks, such as the somewhat more energetic "The MP" and a very nice acoustic guitar showpiece called "Story Board," LaValle brings to mind a more low-tech Durutti Column. On the few occasions that bass and drums enter the mix, the effect is refreshing. This stuff occasionally gets tedious (and on "Hang Over" LaValle is annoyingly out of tune), but if you relax and go with it you'll probably find it very enjoyable. ~ Rick Anderson