Fresh off his U.S. tour as part of Magnetic Morning – the indie-rock supergroup that also includes Swervedriver’s Adam Franklin and Interpol’s Sam Fogarino – San Diego singer and multi-instrumentalist Jimmy Lavalle is back to the project for which he’s known best: the Album Leaf. Since the late ’90s, TAL has proffered ethereal, atmospheric, and gauzy compositions strongly (and famously) influenced by Lavalle’s close friendship with Icelandic art-rockers Sigur Rós. Until now, he’s crafted Album Leaf music by himself, usually in his bedroom, with an array of instruments and electronic gear, though live Lavelle has fleshed out his creations with a live band. For the next album, though – which he’ll begin recording next month – Lavalle’s bringing the full six-piece group into the studio. To warm up for those sessions, TAL has embarked on a brief West Coast tour, so tonight you’re sure to hear plenty of new songs destined for the new disc, slated to come out on Sub Pop this fall.

Sun., Feb. 1, 8 p.m., 2009