San Diego multi-instrumentalist Jimmy LaValle launched The Album Leaf in 1998 as a solo project while playing guitar in post-rock band Tristeza, initially self-releasing limited cassette experiments in ambient texture and field recordings. The project gained international recognition after Sigur Rós took LaValle on tour, leading to the acclaimed Sub Pop release In a Safe Place (2004), a landmark of delicate, orchestrated instrumental ambient music. LaValle has continued releasing records under the name, expanding the project to include a full live band and occasional vocals.