New Music & Video Release - L.A.B set to release new album ‘IV’ - December 2020
/ Megan MossArtist Name: L.A.B
Release Name - IV
Release Date - 18th December 2020
Genre - Roots, Soul, Funk
Label - Independent
L.A.B return with their new album, L.A.B IV. A model of consistency, the new release is their fourth in as many years, and follows on from the biggest year for L.A.B to date. Featuring the Number One single ‘Why Oh Why’, the album shows an act continuing to prove themselves as one of NZ’s hardest-working groups.
Sticking to the same formula as previous releases, L.A.B IV has once more been recorded at the band’s home of the Surgery Studios in Wellington with Dr Lee Prebble, with yet another rigorous recording schedule resulting in the band living in the studio for weeks on end. With drummer Brad Kora heading up the production team of Prebble & bass player Ara Adams-Tamatea, the result is an album steeped in nostalgia, while sounding firmly rooted in the modern-day.
The 12 tracks featured on L.A.B IV showcase the styles that have grown to be the L.A.B sound - reggae, funk, soul & blues effortlessly combining. ‘My Brother’, ‘Yes I Do’ & ‘Operator’ all embrace a 70’s funk/soul sound, accentuated by strings composed & performed by frequent-collaborators The Black Quartet. ‘Yes I Do’ & ‘Boy King’ also feature a live-horn section, showing the band becoming more comfortable expanding & pushing their sound.
‘Why Oh Why’, ‘Boy King’ & ‘No Roots’ all bring L.A.B’s roots/reggae experience to the front, creating tracks which instantly feel like classic summer sing-alongs. ‘Never Give Up’, ‘IJDK’ & ‘My Baby’ bring together the harmonies that the band have become known for, while ‘Early Bird’ & ‘Natural’ show a softer-side.
Embracing the eclectic sound that has seen them grow into one of the most sought-after acts in New Zealand, L.A.B IV further solidifies L.A.B as one of NZ’s hardest-working acts with no signs of slowing down.
In a year which has turned many things upside-down, L.A.B’s strong work ethic has remained. Just prior to L.A.B IV’s release, ‘Why Oh Why’ debuted at Number One on the New Zealand Official Top 40 Singles Chart, their second number one for 2020 (alongside ‘In The Air’). L.A.B are only the second local independent artist to achieve two Number One singles in a calendar year, and the first local to ever hold Numbers One, Two & Four on the charts at the same time.
In addition to completing work on their fourth album, the band has performed capacity arena shows across NZ, won the Aotearoa Music Award for People’s Choice, and reached Number One on the 2020 End of Year New Zealand Official Music Single Charts.
The release comes ahead of another busy summer of live performances in New Zealand, including two massive headline performances at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands in New Plymouth & Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium. April 2021 will see the band return to Australia, with a five-date tour sold-out to a total audience of over 15,000.
L.A.B are Ara Adams-Tamatea – Bass; Miharo Gregory – Keys; Brad Kora – Drums, Vocals; Stu Kora – Keys, Vocals; Joel Shadbolt – Guitar, Vocals.
L.A.B IV Track Listing:
1. My Brother
2. Why Oh Why
3. Boy King
4. Yes I Do
5. Never Give Up
6. No Roots
7. IJDK
8. Operator
9. My Baby
10. Early Bird
11. Natural
LINKS
Follow L.A.B:
By: Rob Harbers
Artist: Jakob (Supported by Ash Sales & Look for Trains)
Date: Saturday 21st December 2024
Venue: Paisley Stage, Napier, New Zealand
By: Sarah Kidd
Artist: Highly Suspect Supported by Rita Mae & Powder Chutes
Date: Sunday 1st December 2024
Venue: Spark Arena, Auckland New Zealand
Review by: Rob Harbers
Artist: Sea Mouse with support from Lizard Prom
Date: Friday 29th November 2024
Venue: Paisley Stage, Napier, New Zealand
By: Rob Harbers
Artist: Spotlights Supported by Lizard Prom
Date: Wednesday 27th November 2024
Venue: Paisley Stage, Napier, New Zealand
By: Andra Jenkin
Artist: Crowded House (Supported by Mel Parsons)
Date: Saturday 23rd November 2024
Venue: Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
By: Riccardo Ball
Artist: The Cult (Supported by Death & the Maiden)
Date: Thursday 21st November 2024
Venue: Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
By: Sarah Kidd
Artist: Twenty One Pilots
Date: Sunday 17th November 2024
Venue: Spark Arena, Auckland NZL
By: Sarah Kidd
Artist: Mother Mother
Date: Thursday 14th November 2024
Venue: Auckland Town Hall, Auckland, New Zealand
By: Reviewer Name: Sarah Kidd
Artist: Band/Artist Name: COLDPLAY
Date: Wednesday 13th November 2024
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand
By: Steve Shyu
Band/Artist Name: Iron Maiden Supported by Killswitch Engage
Date: Monday 16th September 2024
Venue: Spark Arena, Auckland, NZL
By: Reviewer Name: Steve Shyu
Artist: Band/Artist Name: SiM, Sup by Revoid & Banks Arcade
Date: Thursday 12th September 2024
Venue: Venue, Princess Theatre, Brisbane, AUS
By: Steve Shyu
Artist: Devilskin with Tadpole x Emma Dilemma and Skinny Hobos
Date: Saturday 29 June 2024
Venue: The Powerstation, Auckland, New Zealand
By: Mark Derricutt
Artist: Steve Hackett
Date: Friday 17th June 2022
Venue: Great Town Hall, Auckland, NZL
By: Reviewer Name Teylor Moss
Artist: Band/Artist Name Chelsea Wolfe
Date: Friday 10th June 2022
Venue: Powerstation, Auckland, NZL
By: Daryl Habraken (AKA The Mole)
Artist/Band: L.A.B, (Supported by; Sir Dave Dobbyn, Ladi6, The Black Seeds, Katchafire, JessB, RIIKI)
Venue/City: Outer Fields, Western Springs, Auckland, NZL
Date of Event: Saturday 22nd January 2022
By: Ginny C
Artist/Band: The Feelers, Sound Republic, The Meteors
Venue/City: Tauranga Creek Winery, Tauranga, NZL
Date of Event: Saturday 22nd January 2022
The Mole speaks with New Zealand ‘Radio Relic’ & Vocalist of Push Push about their slot at the upcoming Bay Rock at the Historic Village Green, Tauranga next weekend; how music has changed over the last 30 years and a little about the future of Push Push. Thanks Mikey; it was fantastic to have you in the studio!
By: Daryl Habraken (AKA The Mole)
Review By: Daryl Habraken
Artist/Band Name: Salmonella Dub
Album Name: Soul Love Trippa
Label:n Blackout
By: Jake Ebdale
Artist: John Butler
Date: Sunday 16th May 2021
Venue: Powerstation, Auckland, NZL
Artist/Band Name: Malcolm Black
Album Name: Songs for the Family (Posthumous Album Release)
Release Date: 10th May 2021
By: Daryl Habraken
Artist: Marlon Williams
Date: Thursday 25th March 2021
Venue: The Hollywood Theatre, AKL, NZL
By: Jake Ebdale
Artist: Crowded House (with Reb Fountain)
Date: Friday 19th March 2021
Venue: Spark Arena, Auckland, NZL
Like many, my love for symphonic metal can be traced back to the debut of Nightwish. Before that, however, Angra, Blind Guardian and After Forever had captivated my ears with their blending of orchestras, heavy melodies, and starting a dangerous hobby of peak soundstage in headphones.
By: Mark Derricutt
Just over four years ago I ‘met’ Joey Talmage (Hoody Time) - the American rapper/hip-hop artist via reddit's r/newzealand sub ahead of his tour, and subsequent emigration to New Zealand. I managed to catch up with Hoody, and new found collaborators Bo Ade-Simpson (Bosho) and Max Duncan prior to the literal New Year release of MUSIC.
Back in August, ahead of the release of Empire of the Blind - Mark Derricutt sat down with David White to discuss all things Heathen.
Misplaced somewhere among the madness of 2020; just prior to it's release - I found myself on a cold rainy night, waiting for TOM NAUMAN - guitarist for long standing German Power Metal masters PRIMAL FEAR to talk about the release of METAL COMMANDO - the bands thirteenth release.
By: Mark Derricutt
By: Jake Ebdale
Artist: Th’ Dudes
Date: Thursday 26th November 2020
Venue: Town Hall, Auckland, NZ
Revealing his electronic/synth-pop loving alter ego - Mark Derricutt spoke to Auckland duo Imugi about their new release Dragonfruit, discovering music, and their upcoming December shows at Meow and The Tuning Fork.
Doom metal is not always about sorrow and gloom, but can often be an emotional journey of reflection and healing - Brett Campbell of Arkansas doom metallers Pallbearer talks to Mark Derricutt about their latest album Forgotten Days.
By: Mark Derricutt
By: Jake Ebdale
Artist: Fat Freddy’s Drop
Date: Saturday 7th November 2020
Venue: (The Cauldren) Spark Arena, AKL, NZ
Photos By: Andrew Caldwell
Artist/Band: Jakob (Sup by Ash Sales & Look for Trains)
Venue/City: Paisley Stage, Napier, New Zealand
Date of Event: Saturday 21st December 2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Highly Suspect (Supported by Rita Mae & Powder Chutes)
Venue/City: Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
Date of Event: Sunday 1st December 2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Courtnay & The Unholy Reverie with Animalhead and Death Chemist
Venue/City: Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland, New Zealand
Date of Event: Saturday 30th November 2024
Photos By: Andrew Caldwell
Artist/Band: Sea Mouse with support from Lizard Prom
Venue/City: Paisley Stage, Napier, New Zealand
Date of Event: Friday 29th November 2024
Photos By: Andrew Caldwell
Artist/Band: Spotlights Supported by Lizard Prom
Venue/City: Paisley Stage, Napier, New Zealand
Date of Event: Wednesday 27th November 2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Crowded House (supported by Mel Parsons)
Venue/City: Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
Date of Event: Saturday 23rd November 2024
Photos By: Megan Moss
Artist/Band: The Cult (Supported by Death & the Maiden)
Venue/City: Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
Date of Event: Thursday 21st November 2024
Photos By: Jared Tinetti
Artist/Band: Twenty One Pilots
Venue/City: Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand
Date of Event: Sunday 17th November 2024
Photos By: Tom Grut
Artist/Band: ColdPlay
Venue/City: Eden Park, Auckland, NZL
Date of Event: Wednesday, 13th November 2024
Photos By: Megan Moss Photographer
Artist/Band: Nile
Venue/City: Whammy Bar, Auckland, New Zealand
Date of Event: Tuesday 22nd October 2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Crooked Royals, Barracks, Achilles Complex, Static & Pink Plates
Venue/City: Last Place, Hamilton, New Zealand
Date of Event: Saturday, 26th October 2024
Photos By: Ginny C Photography
Artist/Band: Less than Jake Sup by Suckafish & The Bennies
Venue/City: Powerstation, Auckland, NZL
Date of Event: Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Ash Supported by Napoleon Baby
Venue/City: The Tuning Fork, Auckland, NZL
Date of Event: Wednesday, 16th October 2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Stray Dogs with support from No Strangers and Marceline
Venue/City: Big Fan, Auckland, NZL
Date of Event: Saturday 21st September 2024
Photos By: Ginny C Photography
Artist/Band: Iron Maiden Supported by Killswitch Engage
Venue/City: Spark Arena, Auckland, NZL
Date of Event: Monday 16th September 2024
Photos By: Stephen Boxshall
Artist/Band: Amyl And The Sniffers
Venue/City: Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne, AUS
Date of Event: Saturday 14th September 2024
Photos By: Ginelle Cocks
Artist/Band: SiM Supported by Revoid & Banks Arcade
Venue/City: Princess Theatre, Brisbane, AUS
Date of Event: Thursday, 12th September 2024
Photos By: Ginelle Cocks
Artist/Band: Troy Kingi & the Cactus Handshake SUP by The Ideas
Venue/City: Double Whammy, Auckland, NZL
Date of Event: Thursday, 5th September 2024
Photos By: Ginny C Photography
Artist/Band: Ride Supported by Tablefox (In place of advertised Mercury Rev)
Venue/City: Powerstation, Auckland, NZL
Date of Event: Sunday 18th August 2024
Photos By: Ginny C Photography
Artist/Band:Badflower Supported by VANA and Retro Valley
Venue/City: The Tuning Fork Auckland, NZL
Date of Event: Wednesday 15th August 2024
Photos By: Ginny C
Artist/Band: Shepherds Reign SUP By Top Shelf & Silcrow
Venue/City: The Tuning Fork, Auckland, NZL
Date of Event: Saturday 10th August 2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Written By Wolves & Captial Theatre, with support from Vana
Venue/City: The Powerstation, Auckland
Date of Event: 02/08/2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Mike Oldfield’s Tubular Bells
Venue/City: Bruce Mason Centre, Auckland
Date of Event: 01/08/2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: The First Child, Edible, Stray Dogs
Venue/City: Last Place, Hamilton
Date of Event: 27/07/2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Devilskin with Tadpole x Emma Dilemma and Skinny Hobos
Venue/City: The Powerstation, Auckland
Date of Event: 29/06/2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Unleash The Archers
Venue/City: Galatos, Auckland
Date of Event: 13/06/2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: The Jordan Luck Band with support from Rumpus Machine
Venue/City: Paraoa Brewing Co, Auckland
Date of Event: 08/06/2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Banks Arcade with support from Written By Wolves, Vana, and Coridian
Venue/City: The Tuning Fork, Auckland
Date of Event: 17/05/2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Ekko Park
Venue/City: Big Fan, Auckland
Date of Event: 10/05/2024
Photos By: Ginny Cocks
Artist/Band: Pop Punk Party featuring Holloway, Mariner, Stray Dogs, and Blindr
Venue/City: Big Fan, Auckland
Date of Event: 04/05/2024