A clever ethereal split EP featuring three songs by two bands The Album Leaf (side project of Jimmy LaValle of Tristeza) and New York Cities, trio On Air Library.
The disc beings with ambient sounds and drum n’ bass inspired rhythms of The Album Leaf, with opening track, 'Another Day' with organic lush classical keys melody against shimmering noise and moody bass, as the song blossoms into heavenly lush sounds with a 4AD flavors Elizabeth Frazier would be proud to sing on.
The energetic track 'Essex' has a deep bass, and snappy drum programmed beat holding the intoxicating key arrangements as the Leaf closes with seven minute 'Lamplight' an ambient track with sparse keys beaconing to the midnight stars.
Next up, NYC’s Air Library takes the mic identical twin sisters, Alley and Claudia Deheza whom contribute vocals, keyboards and guitars as well as guitarist, vocalist Phillip Wann. The leaf takes ambient pop approach sounding a bit like a 4AD version of Belle Sebastian & Arab Strap, with swells of ambient guitar and keyboard washes, against the un reverebed vocals sung by Phillip Wann. Opening track 'Ex's and Oh's' is a dreamy sail downstream that ends in an erratic drum breakdown.
'Pass the Mic (p,a,c) which climbs the track number from 5-7 is like an ambient electronica version of Bauhaus's 'The Sky Gone Out.' featuring vox by the twins.
The Air Library closes the Split Ep with melting 'Faux Fromm' with militant drums and lush vocals by the sisters and swelling keyboards.
Wow, I am impressed with Arena Rock Recording's music, going 2 for 2 with Calla's 'Televise' to the moody ambient soundscapes 'A Lifetime or More.'
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