The Leafs: Space Elevator EP

The Leafs
Space Elevator EP
Self-Released [2011]









Fire Note Says: The Leafs lo-fi rock is catchy, rowdy and quick!

Album Review:
It usually takes more than 13 minutes for me to get excited about a band but after checking out the Australian duo called The Leafs, I was completely sold. The Leafs consist of Michael Pulsford (Singing, Guitar) and Gus Kemp (Drums, Singing) that became tired of playing in instrumental post-rock bands Down Under so they got together and created their 8 song debut Space Elevator, that thrives on its somewhat lo-fi pop and short as hell tracks. With the longest song running 2:40 and the shortest clocking in at 36 seconds you get the picture that The Leafs don't mess around and grab you immediately as the title track takes off with its guitar strums and Pulsford's calm but throaty vocals. It would be one thing if this more post-punk style would continue but the following 1 minute track is the quiet "Forget All You Know", that just sings the refrain as it transfers into the even shorter but powerful rocker "Figs" for all of its glorious 55 seconds. If you listen to The Leafs tracks independently you will miss out and may not get it, as Space Elevator works better as a whole because its transitions are so important. The graceful ballad "Terrible Sun" is catchy by itself but when it is paired with the following foot tapping "Fields And Fences" it takes on a different role and has even more intensity upon repeat listens. Considering the band is giving this EP away for free, there should not be any reason people shouldn't check out The Leafs because at 13 minutes, Space Elevator will definitely entertain!

Key Tracks: "Space Elevator", "Fields And Fences", "Figs"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Clean
Guided By Voices
The Thermals

The Leafs Website
The Leafs MySpace

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony