26 February 2024
Newsdesk
L.A.B return with their new album, L.A.B VI, the latest addition to their expanding catalogue.
After recording & releasing their first five albums in a five year span, L.A.B VI arrives after an almost 18-month period of writing, recording, tweaking & finessing their strongest album to date. 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. As well as being in NZ’s Top streamed artists of 2023, the group also won Best Group, Best Song & Best Album two years in a row at the New Zealand Music Awards, taking out Best Song at the 2023 Rolling Stone Awards and being voted New Zealand’s Best Live Act by Radio New Zealand. Listen to the new album here.
Recorded with frequent collaborator Lee Prebble at Wellington's Surgery Studios, the album has been recorded amongst a heavy touring schedule featuring sold-out shows across NZ, Australia, the United States, the UK & Europe, including a sold-out show at London’s O2 Kentish Town Forum.
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 & soul with funk & elements of rock. Featuring the singles 'Take It Away', 'Casanova' & 'Oh No (Pt. 2)'. Combining elements of funk & electric (‘Oh No (Pt.2)’), ska & reggae (‘Crazy Demon’), Motown/Soul RnB (‘Give Me That Feeling’) and surf reggae/guitar (‘Take It Away’), the album also features horns from the band’s Wellington musical family (‘Signs’).
Guitarist and vocalist Joel Shadbolt says, “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” He continues, “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.”
After winning Best Group, Best Song & Best Album two years in a row at the New Zealand Music Awards, taking out Best Song at the 2023 Rolling Stone Awards and being voted New Zealand’s Best Live Act by Radio New Zealand, L.A.B are on fire. 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. Formed by Brad Kora, L.A.B comprises his brother Stu Kora, Ara Adams-Tamatea, Miharo Gregory, frontman Joel Shadbolt. Featuring former members of two of New Zealand’s premier acts Kora & Katchafire, L.A.B have made their name on the live stages of the U.K., New Zealand & Australia.
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 02 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.
Tracklist:
01 Give Me That Feeling
02 Casanova
03 Ocean Demon
04 Oh No (Pt. 2)
05 Follow
06 Crazy Dream
07 Mr Rave Rider
08 Signs
09 I Believe
10 Take It Away
11 Trying To Catch Me
Upcoming Live Shows:
Dec 28 Headline Show, Tauranga NZ - SOLD OUT
Jan 5 Headline Show, Nelson NZ - SOLD OUT
Feb 24 Electric Avenue Festival, Christchurch, NZ
Mar 2 Co-Headline Show w/ Iration, Waikiki Shell, Hawaii USA
Mar 3 Co-Headline Show w/ Iration, Maui Arts Centre, Hawaii USA
Mar 29 Byron Bay Blues Festival, Byron Bay, Australia
Apr 27 HoloHolo Music Festival, Las Vegas USA
May 25 CaliRoots Festival, Monterey USA
May-Jun USA Headline Tour *to be announced*
Members:
Ara Adams-Tamatea - Bass
Miharo Gregory - Keys, Vocals
Brad Kora - Drums, Vocals
Stu Kora - Guitar, Keys, Vocals
Joel Shadbolt - Guitar, Vocals
