Fourth album from electro experimentalist.
Before I began listening, I knew two things about The Album Leaf. One: they/he recorded a rather excellent split 7" with fellow Nebraskan Conor Oberst and more frighteningly two: he has at some point been a member of ear-splitting post-hardcore nightmare The Locust. The extreme difference between these two styles left me wondering what my ears were about to experience.
The Album Leaf is largely the project of Jimmy Lavelle, with the latest album seeing him playing the majority of instruments. With previous collaborators such as members of Sigur Ros and Mum, the opening track of 'Into The Blue Again' certainly fits the Album Leaf into the same bracket. 'The Light' is an instrumental soundscape which meanders along with ease. Following track 'Always For You' is much more thrilling, with its soft electronics and downbeat vocals. The subsequent song, 'Shine' is a return to the style of the opener, with its sparse and repetitive rhythm and overall electronic injected ambiance.
'Writings On the Wall' mixes the electronic sound with a wider, more orchestral sound provided by the use of cellos and violins. Here Lavelle's Nebraskan roots are more prominent in his vocals, leading to obvious associations with compatriot Conor Oberst. The sweeping style of the song is soothing and lulls the listener down a stream of contentment.
'Red Eye' immediately reminds me of the highly entertaining schlock thriller of the same name. Instead of being engaging however the song is another of the instrumentals which litter the album and weaken its overall strength.
As the album nears its end it also reaches its weakest moments with three instrumentals in a row seeing me in danger of zoning out completely. 'Wherever I Go' raises the standard, with its backdrop of pianos married to Lavelle's favoured electronics, perfectly complimented by the emotive lyrics. 'Wishful Thinking' is a pretty piece filled with pianos, I can only imagine what an accomplished song it would be with the addition of vocals.
Overall 'Into The Blue Again' is an album which could have amounted to more than it is. Soft and laidback, it is a pleasant listen with some really inspired moments, but too much emphasis on the sound and not enough on including vocals lets it down. The melancholy mood it creates does take a while to fade though, making the blue of the title very apt indeed.