The Leaf Library - Loosing Places (Isan Mix)

Part 2 in the limited 10" vinyl series from Amsterdam-based The Hooter Listens comes from 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, all wrapped up in a fine screen printed sleeve. The Leaf Library started out in Reading in 2004 after the demise of guitarist Matt Ashton’s previous band, Peel-favourites Saloon. Progressing from rough minidisc recordings to an old second-hand four track and with influences that include buildings, stationery and the weather, the band created 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. 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. 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 Gibson’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. Remixers Isan were the first choice of both band and label, each being long time fans of their previous remixes (Seefeel, múm, Depeche Mode, Static, Solvent, Blamstrain, The Notwist) and original compositions on Morr Music and Static Caravan. The final result exceeded any of their expectations… stunning. Needless to say, this high quality pressing won’t be available for long when word gets around, so preorders are strongly advised.

So, what do you think? Best reviewer each month gets £10 off their next order!