There is an impressive assurance on ‘Between Waves’, the latest album from Jimmy LaValle’s project The Album Leaf. It moves easily between carefully crafted instrumental tracks and songs with soul and a dash of attitude here and there. The band manage that difficult trick of making mellow songs that are much more than mere wallpaper, though it is perhaps the instrumental tracks that still burn the brightest. ‘Wandering Still’ is a beauty, while ‘False Dawn’ shows how some sensitively applied trumpet lines can go a long way. ‘A New Soul’, meanwhile, gets a rougher, more urban edge that suits the music. Nicely done – and best experienced on headphones to maximise this restful music.
4 out of 5
Reviewed by Ben Hogwood
