Rating : - If You're Looking to Catch Your Breath
Ivy has always been my favourite band and I tend to await all of their albums and side projects with baited breath...

...and the newest Brookville release keeps this trend alive.

Ivy has always been masterful at capturing various moods, (especially those of the pensive, sun-setting on the horizon, stay indoors and read in bed type) and Life in the Shade spins a reflective and ambient tale from start to finish.

Highlights include the subtle horn-driven "Golden" and "Nothing's Meant to Last" in which he enlists some help from his wife and Ivy's lead singer Dominique Durand.

But the album in its entirety is comprised of flavourful arrangements and some of the best song-writing this side of Ben Lee which makes it one of 2006 best new releases.