The Album Leaf

The solo project of Tristeza's Jimmy LaValle, Album Leaf proceeds cautiously enough to warrant the Post-Rock tag. With an organic rather than digital aesthetic, AL collage acoustic instruments, field recordings, and keyboards into picturesquely beautiful songs. Buzzing acoustic notes step carefully through beds of recorded conversations and street noise -- the sonic characteristics of both set a cinematic tone. The only instrumental indulgence seems to come in the form of a delayed-out, weeping viola, which contrasted against the narcissistic beauty and delicate precision of the guitar creates a seemingly sad conversation. In fact, it sounds like one lover pleading to another who's given up on trying.