Jimmy LaValle started The Album Leaf on his own in San Diego, California in 1998. He is known for his use of electronics, synthesizer and Rhodes piano. His performances often feature projected visual art.

LaValle played his first official Album Leaf show at the Che Cafe in the winter of 1999 with local band members.

In January 2004, LaValle signed with Seattle-based record label, Sub Pop Records and Berlin, Germany based European label City Slang Records. LaValle completed In a Safe Place in February 2004. Most of the members of Sigur Rós contributed to the record with Birgir Jón “Biggi” Birgisson, engineering at Sigur Rós’ Sundlaugin studio.

The Album Leaf released their sixth full-length album, Between Waves, on August 26, 2016. It is the first album by The Album Leaf to feature the band’s full current lineup. It is also the band’s first release on Relapse Records, which they signed to in early 2016. The new 8-song album has a greater focus on a group dynamic, having been entirely produced and recorded by LaValle and the band.