The Leaf Library

The Leaf Library started out in Reading after Matt Ashton’s previous band (John Peel favourites Saloon) split in 2004. He started writing and recording with vocalist Kate Gibson (2) and after moving to London, they were joined by bassist Gareth Jones (4) (from Wintergreen) and guitarist Ben Smith (16), Matt’s housemate at the time. After a couple of temporary drummers, Lewis Young (3) settled in for good, bringing with him an eclectic collection of synths and gadgets. They released their first single Losing Places in 2008 via the Dutch label The Hooter Listens (which included a remix by ISAN), followed by a second single on the French label BEKO DSL in 2010. In 2011 they released Different Activities, Similar Diversions, a compilation of various tracks and home recording experiments. After a couple of years 2014’s The Greater Good was released as part of the Where It's At Is Where You Are singles club and gained heavy play on BBC 6music. This was followed by a split 7" with Smile Down Upon Us for WIAIWYA and Kingfisher Bluez in 2015. The rejuvenated interest from these singles led to the release of 'debut album proper' Daylight Versions in 2015, swiftly followed by a drone version (Nightlight Versions) and remix version (Versions) in 2016. Co-producer Simon Nelson (2) gradually became part of the band during this time due to their desire to try to reproduce the increasing scope and complexity of their recorded music live. 2017 led towards a period of increasing experimentation, with the song-based City In Reverse/Kendrick Road single/EP contrasting with a glut of self-released live, improvised and instrumental pieces and a 77-minute behemoth of a track for WIAIWYA. 2018 saw a commission for a gallery opening and new series for the experimental releases - Monument, along with the live incorporation of brass from Laura Copsey and Daniel Fordham (2), and vocals/percussion from Melinda Bronstein. A new album of half-drone half-vocal pieces appeared on Inner Space Travels in 2019, and double album "The World Is A Bell" was released in late October.