Album Leaf
Chorus Of Storytellers
(Sub Pop)

All the proverbial eggs are in one basket on this, Jimmy LaValle and co’s, (and San Diego native’s), fifth LP and first since 2006, (‘Into the Blue Again’). It is the first time in the band’s history that all involved, recorded together in studio as a full band as opposed to another LaValle solo project. For all the potential this band has shown in live performances can finally be realized here and there is no better example of this than the track, “Falling From the Sun”, with its plodding beat, mesmerizing keyboards and shimmering guitar that cascade like rain streaming down a window. The building continues on following instrumentally with “Stand Still,” giving off a “slow down to stop and smell the roses” sentiment. A full-bodied orchestration complete with billowing brass and sweeping strings garnish the gorgeous, and also vocal-less, “Until the Last”. “Almost There” leaves every bit a sophisticated, atmospheric impression as contemporaries such as The Radio Dept. with breathy vocals and tasteful electronics. “Almost There” is hardly where this record can be charted as The Album Leaf have arrived, fully realized with ‘A Chorus of Storytellers’.

-James


» Buy Chorus Of Storytellers Now!