The Album Leaf

Into The Blue Again

[3/5] Jimmy LaValle has always been great at constructing background music. However, with Into The Blue Again, he’s finally stepped out of the shadows. Recorded at Icelandic outfit Sigur Ros’ Sundlaugin studio, the album shows LaValle exploring new and exciting sonic territory with mostly positive results. The majestic opener “The Light” could only be created somewhere as magical as Iceland; the electro-romp “See In You” could be a Notwist outtake; and “Always For You” has a pop sensibility reminiscent of the Postal Service, albeit a bit more sterile-sounding. The disc’s highlight, “Wherever I Go,” is a stunning love song featuring vocal harmonies courtesy of the Black Heart Procession’s Pall Jenkins. (SUB POP) Jonah Bayer