Draft:Labrador 101

Labrador 101

Background Information

Labrador 101 is an Israeli rock band formed by multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer Nir Bar Av, vocalist, poet, and lyricist Gil Ishai, drummer Erez Naveh, and lead guitarist Shlomo Atias. Known for their unique blend of Post Grunge, Progressive Rock, and alternative creativity, the band has carved a niche in the music industry with their meaningful themes that extend beyond typical love albums.

History

Formation and Early Years (1999-2019)

Nir Bar Av and Gil Ishai have been collaborating for over two decades. Their partnership began in the early 2000s, with both musicians sharing a passion for creating music that addresses deep and thought-provoking themes. Throughout his career, Nir has been involved in various musical projects, contributing to the Israeli music scene with his innovative compositions and production techniques while Gil contributes his poet soul to numerus of musical project released those years by various local artist. For nearly 20 years, they met weekly to write, compose, and record, setting the stage for the formation of Labrador 101.

First Album: Everything I’ve Been Through (2020)

The band's first album, Everything I’ve Been Through, was recorded in Haifa's Art studio owned by Nir during the late 90s but was mixed 20 years later during the first quarantine of 2020. This album set the tone for the band's thematic focus, delving into personal experiences and broader societal issues. As an Israeli group, the first album was in their native language - Hebrew. Guy Shlesinger contributed as the studio drummer, while Tal Vaicbuch and Avishai Kelter provided solo guitar work. Nir and Gil handled the rest of the production, maintaining an indie approach that continues to drive the band's self-production of all aspects, including writing, recording, managing, and visual elements like video clips, photos, and album covers.

Pandemic-Era Albums: Mask Off (2021-2022)

During the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022, Labrador 101 produced their second album, Mask Off. This album, entirely in English, explored themes of identity and resilience amid global challenges. It was during this period that Erez Naveh and Shlomo Atias, former bandmates with Nir in Bush Babies, joined the band, solidifying the current lineup adding an extra layer of depth and complexity with their drumming and lead guitar skills.

So Much Better and Impact of October 7 Events (2022-2023)

In October 2023, Labrador 101 released their third album, So Much Better. However, the album's promotion and the band's planned tour were significantly affected by the tragic events of October 7, 2023. The ongoing war and subsequent mourning led the band to focus on their next album, War is All Over, amid a climate of fear and uncertainty.

War is All Over (2024-2025)

War is All Over is set to be released in 2025, with Heatwave being the second single. The album features contributions from various artists, including UK-based epic guitar player Niro Knox, rising vocalist singer/songwriter Mars Blossom, piano virtuoso Omri Harris, and contrabassist Ofek Shilon. Mars Blossom, Omri Harris, and Ofek Shilon collaborated on the song "One of These Days." Omri Harris also arranged and conducted a string quartet featured on several tracks, including "Heatwave."

the album was recorded in the renewed Alive studio, all analog, live instrumentation and describe by critics as "...a wild ride! It hurtles forward with pure energy that's hard to find these days. Every aspect of it is infused with a pulsing, explosive power that's simply exhilarating. It's one of your most epic albums yet..."

Significant Events

So Close (But Yet So Far)

In April 2024, Labrador 101 released their first single from the upcoming album War is All Over, titled So Close (But Yet So Far). This song, dedicated to the families and hostages held captive in Hamas tunnels, reflects the band's prayers for their safe return after 200 days of captivity.

Future Plans

The release date for War is All Over is still uncertain, as the band adjusts and prioritizes releases based on the urgency of the topics and messages they wish to convey. like the album title, the album is expected to be released once the war concludes, but ironically this title can also be forecasting a world war in the near future if read pessimistically... hopefully the first meaning will prevail.

Labrador 101 is set to tour Europe and the USA in the summer of 2025, aiming to spread their music worldwide.

Discography

Everything I’ve Been Through (2020)

Mask Off (2022)

So Much Better (2023)

War is All Over (2025)

Band Members

Nir Bar Av – Multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer.

Gil Ishai – Vocalist, poet, lyricist.

Erez Naveh – Drummer, keyboard player.

Shlomo Atias – Lead Guitarist, Epic solos curator.

Past Recording Credits

Guy Shlesinger – Studio drummer for the first album, Everything I’ve Been Through.

Tal Vaicbuch – Solo guitarist for the first album, Everything I’ve Been Through.

Avishai Kelter – Solo guitarist for the first album, Everything I’ve Been Through.

Featured Artists on War is All Over

Niro Knox – UK-based epic guitar player.

Mars Blossom – Rising vocalist singer/songwriter.

Omri Harris – Piano virtuoso and string quartet conductor/arranger.

Ofek Shilon – Contrabassist.

live band

Tali Bukai - Acoustic guitar and backing vocals.

Yoel Popovich - Bass guitar.