23 February 2024 - 0 Comments

L.A.B return with their new album, L.A.B VI, the latest addition to their expanding catalogue. After recording and releasing their first five albums in a five-year span, L.A.B VI arrives after an almost two-year long period of writing, recording, tweaking and finessing what is their strongest album to date.

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Recorded with frequent collaborator Lee Prebble at Wellington's Surgery Studios, the album has been recorded amongst a heavy touring schedule which has seen the band perform sold-out shows across NZ, Australia, the United States, the UK and Europe over the past two years. In between tours, the band would set up camp at Surgery Studios, writing and recording all day and night during their stays.

Whittled down from nearly 30 total tracks, the 11 songs featured on L.A.B VI are a welcome addition to an already beloved catalogue. Incorporating all aspects of the bands unique sound, the album combines reggae/roots and soul with funk and elements of rock. Featuring the singles Take It Away, Casanova, Oh No (Pt. 2) and the recently-released Ocean Demon, the album shows off all the different sides of the L.A.B sound.

In true L.A.B style, the album opens with the soulful slow-burn of Give Me That Feeling, a track which features strings from The Black Quartet. The soul sound is found throughout the album with I Believe, a track featuring guest vocals from stunning Wellington-based vocalist AJA.

The reggae-inspired sound is found throughout the album, with Ocean Demon and Mr Rave Rider described by frontman Joel Shadbolt as “some of the best songs we’ve ever written”. The album brings an 80’s funk-flavoured sound in tracks Casanova, Oh No (Pt. 2) and Crazy Dream, while the album closes with Trying To Catch Me, a track which features drummer and lead songwriter/producer Brad Kora on lead vocals for the first time.

“This album, given it took two years to make, allowed us to really simmer on the songs and carve out each track as needed. The body of work as a whole feels very lively and gives me the same feeling of our debut album. Slightly raw and edgier than previous albums. I think I can say on behalf of the boys we are incredibly proud of the quality of these tunes, and they make us feel good, which in turn should make you feel good.” - Joel Shadbolt.

L.A.B established themselves as one of the hardest-working bands in New Zealand with their relentless touring and recording schedule. While L.A.B VI represents the longest time the band have taken between albums, it also represents the most complete album in their catalogue. The album confirms their place as one of the key acts in the New Zealand music scene, while setting their sights on growing their audience globally.

The album release comes before a series of special festival performances at Electric Avenue in Christchurch and a return to the iconic Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia. They will also return to Hawaii for two special shows alongside acclaimed reggae/pop act Iration, before a run of shows in the United States including a return to California Roots Festival.

Photo Credit: Philip Mountfort

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