The Leaf Library started out in Reading after the demise of guitarist Matt Ashton’s previous band, Peel-favourites Saloon . After a move to London, he and vocalist/keyboardist Kate Gibson were joined by bass player Jona and guitarist Ben Smith. With influences that include buildings, stationery and the weather; the band create minimal, melodic songs with a sound that sits comfortably between Stereolab’s two chord drone rock and the stripped-down groove of late 70s Fleetwood Mac.
Out now:
The Leaf Library 'Losing Places' limited 10" vinyl only
Brought to you by The Hooter Listens
A: Losing Places
B: Losing Places (Isan remix)
Buy at:
Piccadilly Records
Rush Hour Distribution website
Norman Records
Boomkat
"Part 2 in this limited 10" vinyl series - next up to bat is The Leaf Library with a thought provoking song about what we do with our time while we are 'here', backed with an incredibly lush remix from Isan (Morr Music/Static Caravan) and all packaged in a fine screen printed sleeve.
Written from the bassline up, ‘Losing Places’, started out as a raw demo with simple guitars, keyboard and the heartbeat of a borrowed Dr Rhythm drum machine. Two versions later and here we are.
The band call it "An ambivalent hymn to the romance and dislocation of Marc Auge's 'non-places', networks of shiney spaces where movement is the only option and the odd thought that stopping there forever might make you completely disappear." A track in two parts, the first section skips along under Kate’s gentle vocals before serpentine guitars weave their way into the mix. As the bass and keyboards take over in the second part the track disappears off down the autobahn, buzzing and droning, fading just as the guitars start to get serious and re-assert themselves again.
The track also features the percussive talents of The Naciente Quartet’s Rob Smoughton AKA Grovesnor (Greco Roman), recorded shortly before his departure to pursue other projects.
Remixers Isan, were the first choice of both the band and the Hooter – each being long time fans of their previous remixes (Seefeel, múm, Depeche Mode, Static, Solvent, Blamstrain, The Notwist) and original compositions on Morr Music + Static Caravan. The final result exceeded any of their expectations… stunning."
