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Tea Leaf Green : Looking West

Self-released

For its second release with new bassist Reed Mathis, Tea Leaf Green offers a collection of road-tested favorites that never found homes on studio albums. This could be problematic for conceptual continuity purists, but the seasoned San Francisco jamband avoids that issue by crafting a lyrical work with a consistently unpredictable—yet charming—vibe. Looking West takes wistful romps down pointed geographic terrain ( “Dreaming Without Sleeping”) with surrealistic observations (“Drink of Streams”) filled with remorse (“Forgiven”) and romance (“Emma Lee”), while sitting side by side with ease next to tight rockers (“My Bastard Brother”), deep tapestries of subtle grace (“Don’t Let It Down”) and a beautiful glimpse of Americana forged on the road (“Carter Hotel”). Whereas guitarist Josh Clark’s presence has delivered a charismatic star power, and drummer Scott Rager toils in the engine room in underrated fashion, it’s keyboardist/vocalist Trevor Garrod’s songwriting that’s critical to the band’s longevity.