Jimmy LaValle knows how you feel, and he has just the right song for it.

Over the course of several wonderful and often breathtaking records, the classically trained pianist and force behind The Album Leaf has honed a deeply emotional form of rock composition, resulting in music that is both abstract and listenable. His sound encompasses the sonic experimentation of many of today's post-rock artists - fans of Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky will find much to love - but it never fails to be melodic.

"I like drones and keeping notes intact," said LaValle. "A lot of times songs become written around a sound I feel is important and should not be forgotten. But I anchor them in a verse-chorus-verse structure. It helps focus the melodies."

The Album Leaf's sound reflects this conceit, and it often uses basic sounds and drum loops as a foundation for evocative and hypnotic post-rock. At its best, The Album Leaf's music is as stirring as it is soothing. LaValle is more than capable of communicating without the need for vocals, however, when he does sing, his voice adds another dimension to the music. This is a man who understands how to use vocals to add to the mix of sounds, as tracks like "Always For You" and "Writings on the Wall" illustrate.

Experienced, The Album Leaf resembles a standard rock group -- a guitar, bass, drums, keyboard quartet, rather than a LaValle solo project, as on most of the albums. But looks can be deceiving, and standard doesn't come close to describing how mesmerizing this group's music is.

Performing with The Album Leaf are Canada's Young Galaxy and New Orleans's Belong, both relatively new acts. Young Galaxy's debut album was released on April 24 and has already received a number of positive reviews. The group plays an orchestral brand of indie-pop edging on My Bloody Valentine-style shoegaze. It's layered, intricately harmonized vocals can be simply overwhelming. Imagine Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and The Polyphonic Spree collaborating on a track for a Pure Moods compilation.

Belong also owes quite a bit to 1990s shoegaze, but the group eschews traditional song structures - bits of melody simply surface on an ocean of ambient noise. Make no mistake, though, despite the noise, this is no Wolf Eyes or Merzbow. Belong's music is introspective and moody, with a rise-fall Godspeed You! Black Emperor-esque feel.

Walking home from the show is recommended. Your mind may be too blown to drive.

MATT RONEY

The Album Leaf
Friday, May 28
9:30 p.m.
18+ $10 advance, $12 at the door

At the Kerrytown Concert House