Decade old San Diego band The Album Leaf put on another satisfying show to remind us that they are around before disappearing to record their new album coming out this fall. They only have a handful of shows to play before they go into the studio in two weeks.  The Green Tour EP released a year or so ago was a solid EP with pleasant sounds, though nothing memorable.  It was no surprise then when The Album Leaf stuck to their guns in two new songs played at this show. Band originator Jimmy Lavalle still entertains, but does not challenge or innovate which is fine by me.

There was the usual projector images put on by Andrew Pates which add to the experience.  The visuals are a place for the music to dwell for those without imagination, a lazy mind, or who do not need it but appreciate what it adds.  This is not about the audience though.  For bands like The Album Leaf, the visuals distract listeners from the repetition and fills the void created from lack of vocals.  There were vocals on two of the songs, but the talent of Lavalle's mind exceeds any vocals yet to grace his songs. It is hard to blame him for giving into the temptation and though he keeps it to a minimum, you can always expect those songs at a show.  

Hearing the band live, whether there is singing or not, is still a good experience.  Lavalle may not deviate far from his band's formula, but maybe that is because he is doing things exactly as he desires.  I could agree with critics who praise his music but groan in frustration at the unrealized possibility of how much more he could do with his work, but I will hold back my selfishness.  Let us appreciate The Album Leaf as they are and not try to get our vehicle to audio pleasure pimped out with a widescreen television and gold plated rims when it gets us there just fine without.  The band never proposed themselves to be more than they are and what they are is an ambient wave of soothing tones and rhythmic clicks combined to paint us a landscape worthy to visit.  That said, if you came to the show based on hearing music from the Album Leaf, I'm sure you had a good time.  The live experience lives up to the albums at the least.  I challenge anyone to name a shortcoming.  If you did not have a good time, you simply do not like The Album Leaf, so why did you come?