L.A.B VI Album

L.A.B VI: The band’s strongest album yet, after two years of hard work and touring

L.A.B returns with its new album, L.A.B VI, the latest addition to its expanding catalogue. After recording & releasing their first five albums in five years, L.A.B VI arrives after almost two years of writing, recording, tweaking & finessing what is their strongest album to date.

Recorded with frequent collaborator Lee Prebble at Wellington’s Surgery Studios, the album was recorded during a heavy touring schedule that 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 all night.

Whittled down from nearly 30 tracks, the 11 songs featured on L.A.B VI are a welcome addition to an already beloved catalogue. Incorporating all aspects of the band’s unique sound, the album combines reggae/roots & soul with funk and elements of rock. Featuring the singles ‘Take It Away’, ‘Casanova’, ‘Oh No (Pt. 2)’, and the freshly 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 featuring 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’ & ‘Mr Rave Rider’ described by frontman Joel Shadbolt as “some of the best songs we’ve ever written”. The album brings an 80s funk-flavoured sound in tracks ‘Casanova’, ‘Oh No (Pt. 2)’ & ‘Crazy Dream’, while the album closes with ‘Trying To Catch Me’, a track which features drummer & lead songwriter/producer Brad Kora on lead vocals for the first time.

“This Album, Given It Took Two Years To Make, Allowed Us To 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 & recording schedule. While L.A.B VI represents the longest time the band have taken between albums, it also means 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 & 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 the California Roots Festival.

L.A.B – L.A.B VI

Give Me That Feeling
Casanova
Ocean Demon
Oh No (Pt. 2)
Follow
Crazy Dream
Mr Rave Rider
Signs
I Believe (ft. Aja)
Take It Away
Trying To Catch Me

L.A.B UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS

24 Feb 2024 Electric Avenue Festival, Christchurch, NZ
01 Mar 2024 Co-Headline Show w/ Iration, Waikiki Shell, Hawaii USA
02 Mar 2024 Co-Headline Show w/ Iration, Maui Arts Centre, Hawaii USA
29 Mar 2024 Byron Bay Blues Festival, Byron Bay, Australia
27 Apr 2024 HoloHolo Music Festival, Las Vegas USA
09 – 23 May 11 Date USA Tour, including headline shows & shows w/ J Boog
25 May 2024 CaliRoots Festival, Monterey USA

ABOUT L.A.B

L.A.B’s groove blends an eclectic mix of reggae, electronic, blues, funk and rock - all combining to create a sound entirely their own. reggae tastemmaker

L.A.B is a musical force to be reckoned with, blending reggae, electronic, blues, funk and rock into a unique and irresistible sound. They have smashed the charts with five platinum albums, 18 platinum singles and 12 gold singles, including the massive hits Why Oh Why, Controller and In the Air, which became anthems in NZ and Australia.

The band was founded in 2017 by drummer and producer Brad Kora, who joined forces with his brother Stu Kora and Ara Adams Tamatea, Miharo Gregory & Joel Shadbolt to create L.A.B. They have been unstoppable ever since, releasing a new album every year each one showcasing their talent and diversity. Their latest album, L.A.B V, reached the Number One spot on the Official Album Charts, making it their second consecutive Number One album.

L.A.B is a studio sensation and a live phenomenon, delivering electrifying performances that leave audiences breathless. They are constantly on the road, touring and playing festivals across NZ and beyond. Their new album L.A.B VI, is out now.