Leaf Hound was a product of the South-West London rock scene of the late '60s, which spawned the likes of Free and other blues-rock acts who would go on to make a wider impact. Vocalist Peter French and guitarist Mick Halls were the mainstays that penned the hugely influential album Growers of Mushroom released in 1971. Few rock albums have achieved greater cult status than this. Accompanied by the aura and mystique which surrounds buried treasure, the album has gradually acquired a mythical status, reflecting the hallucinogenic imagery of its cover, and befitting the explosive fusion of soulful blues and hard rock fury contained within its grooves.

Peter French�s reputation as a potent lead vocalist led him to stints as front man for Atomic Rooster (appearing on the hit album In Hearing of), and Tim Bogert and Carmine Appice's US band Cactus (appearing on the album Hot �n� Sweaty). In early 2004, aware of the growing cult status the music of Leaf Hound had achieved, French was persuaded to get a new version of the band together. Following a chance meeting with drummer and self-confessed Leaf Hound fanatic Jimmy Rowland, a new band was assembled featuring Luke Rayner on guitar and Ed Pearson on bass.