Although The Album Leaf started in 1998 as a side project to Jimmy LaValle's work in another band (San Diego's Tristeza), his postrock power-pop solo venture has since evolved into his main gig. The band's lineup often changes — multi-instrumentalist LaValle even performed as a one-man band on live spots supporting Sigur Ros — but for this performance it will be a five-piece including Matthew Resovich, who played violin on the band's acclaimed 2006 album "Into the Blue Again."
Also check out: Manuel Gottsching, founder of German art-rockers Ash Ra Tempel and a huge influence on techno, comes to Metamorphose in his Ashra incarnation; Galaxy to Galaxy, the stalwart Detroit techno legends, return with their high-tech jazz, after their triumphant 2005 performance; and U.K. reggae godfather and regular visitor to Japan Jah Shaka brings his righteous vibrations.
The setting: The huge Cycle Sports Center is in the cozy old town of Shuzenji on the Izu Peninsula, famed for its hot springs. As well as three music stages there are roller coasters, market stalls and camping.
When/Where: Cycle Sports Center, Shuzenji, Shizuoka Prefecture. Aug. 23; doors open at 4 p.m. and shows start at 6 p.m., ending 10 a.m. Sunday. Tickets are ¥10,500 advance, ¥12,000 on the door. Metaphose's Web site, and the Metaphose MySpace
