Following on from a sold-out debut in Europe & UK this October, New Zealand’s L.A.B return with their new single, ‘Ocean Demon’ and unveil details for new album L.A.B VI to be released 23rd February 2024.
As well as being in NZ’s Top streamed artists of 2023, L.A.B’s groove blends an eclectic mix of reggae, blues, funk, rock and electronic - all combining to create a sound entirely their own. After selling out the O2 Forum in London at the end of 2023, their funk-flavoured new single continues the journey towards their brand new album. The band previously won Best Group, Best Song & Best Album two years in a row at the New Zealand Music Awards, taking Best Song at the 2023 Rolling Stone Awards and were voted New Zealand’s Best Live Act by Radio New Zealand. With an extremely successful 2023 under their belt, it’s no secret that his album is one of their most highly anticipated to date.
Speaking of the new single, frontman Joel Shadbolt says, "'Ocean Demon' delves into themes of transformation and facing inner demons. It's about confronting the darkness within and emerging stronger than before." Capturing the new track live at Massey Studios, the video pulsates with raw energy, showcasing L.A.B's signature blend of driving rhythms, bluesy vocals and reggae flavours.
The past five years have seen L.A.B release a new album each year, and have since become a mainstay in the NZ Music Charts and on the festival circuit, headlining every major festival across New Zealand and Australia from the Byron Bay Bluesfest & WOMAD to Rhythm and Vines & One Love.
L.A.B’s 2022 summer run of sold-out stadiums saw them perform to over 70,000 people in Australia & New Zealand, including a sold-out show at Auckland’s iconic Western Springs. 2023 has seen the band not only finish their sixth album, but also sell out tours in New Zealand, Australia, playing to over 25,000 in Australia alone. This was followed directly with their first performances in the United States, capped off with a performance at the iconic California Roots Festival & a sold-out Hawaiian show. October saw their debut European shows, selling out both Paradiso in Amsterdam &; the O2 Forum in London.
The band have been recently profiled & spotlighted globally by Dolby with an Artist Spotlight video. After releasing five albums in five years, the band have cemented themselves on the NZ charts, with ‘In The Air’ and ‘Why Oh Why’ both reaching Number One. Their accomplishments include all five albums reaching multi-platinum status, alongside 17 multi- Platinum singles & 11 Gold singles.
