Starry eyes (L.A.B.) (LP 2958 - 2961)

L.A.B. L.A.B. (CD, Loop Recordings, 2017) ***  

L.A.B. II (CD, Loop Recordings, 2018) ***  

L.A.B. III (CD, Loop Recordings, 2019) ****  

L.A.B. IV (CD, Loop Recordings, 2020) ****  

Genre: NZ Music, reggae, funk, rock

Places I remember: JB Hi Fi

Fab, and all the other pimply hyperboles: Yes I Do (IV)

Gear costume: In The Air  (III); Starry Eyes (L.A.B.)

They loom large in his legend (The Album Collection playlists): Part 1; Part 2; Part 3; Part 4

Active compensatory factors: I like NZ reggae/funk bands generally - Katchafire, Fat Freddy's Drop and Herbs have all appeared already in my collection countdown. Now it's L.A.B.'s turn (and no, I don't know what that stands for either - maybe nothing).

L.A.B. (always pronounced with the letters, never as lab) are a band from Whakatāne built around the Kora brothers, who work a more poppy end of the reggae street - so Katchafire more than Fat Freddy, if you like.  

Their first album (I like the numerical approach to album titles and their unifying approach to cover art btw) sets out their modern funk/reggae sound and establishes lead vocalist/guitarist Joel Shadbolt as the star of the show. 

Album number II has a bit more of the same, some more mellow vibes at times, and even some rock (Free Fall in a Dream). It was originally seeing the band on the TV doing a guitar wig out that alerted me to their existence. Overall, I think II is more poppier than album one but their eclectic mix of blues, rock, reggae, roots and dub is their calling card.

Album number III made it three albums in three years - no mean feat in the NZ musical climate.

They sound a bit more relaxed and in the flow on III as they connect again with their reggae/ roots origins. Maybe it's not as commercial as II but it still has their breakthrough single, In The Air, on it.

Joel's vocals are at their soulful best on Running and they even include what sounds like strings to the track - a nice development.

Number IV made it four albums in four years. By now you know what you are getting with an L.A.B. album. Why Oh Why was another massive single in Aotearoa. It seems to sum up the NZ summer vibe with its loping beat and clever reggae style keyboards.

Where do they all belong? I have yet to feel motivated enough to buy V or VI but it's early in the summer and these boys make perfect summer music.