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You might know the name of Matt Ashton (guitar, vocals) from Saloon. Together with Kate Gibson (keyboards, vocals) he’s formed Leaf Library and begins touring in June 2006. On first hearing this demo, you notice some Saloonish features, particularly the insistent guitar and keyboard rhythms of ‘Many Small Hands’. The big difference is that where Saloon had an aloof elegance, Leaf Library sound warmer and more organic, especially when the trombone and trumpet crop up. ‘No Memories, No Plans’ is cool and atmospheric, with Matt picking out a nagging guitar riff while Kate sings ethereally. The last two tracks are more experimental, including the authentic tape hiss of a four-track recording, with ‘Tomorrow Will Be OK’ winning over this listener with its seductive piano tones. This is a neat quartet of songs, reminiscent enough of the precision grooves of Saloon but quickly engaging your attention before taking off in new directions. We’ll definitely keep watching their space.