- I’ve recently started to feel a desire to listen to more Aussie hip hop, so it was with some excitement that I got my hands on the new self-titled EP by local Melbourne outfit LABJACD (pronounced lab-jacked). The five song CD perfectly shows off their unique style of hip hop which blends together influences from old school to jazz to Cuban salsa and even Andean folk music. With nine members in the band, their sound is full and warm with loads of jazz instruments including two trumpets, double bass, sax and loads of percussion.
The opening track “No Comply” features an old school rhyming chorus with accompanying trumpets. The track has been getting some airplay on Triple J and is a good opener for the CD. With “Bassline drive” it’s time to get into the groove and start to loosen up by nodding that head or tapping your foot! The latin feel comes into play with “ La Playa” which showcases the Spanish singing skills of the band’s three vocalists, who all have Chilean heritage. I’m quite partial to some French hip hop thanks to watching “La Haine” too many times, so it was exciting to hear that Labjacd sing in both Spanish and English. “Fuego” and the beautiful classical guitar work in the into of track “Major Chupa”continue the latin vibe, showing Labjacd have some classical skills they’re not afraid to unleash on their regular pub’n’club audiences.
The final track “Major Chupa” winds things up by slowing the pace down a little and getting us back into a funky rhythm with some contemplative Spanish vocals as well as more rhyming in English. It’s not all over though without the song going into a gallop midway with some clapping and more Spanish singing, bringing a sense of enthusiasm and excitement to the music.
Labjacd’s debut CDis a great addition to the Aussie hip hop scene, which is currently gathering momentum all around the country. As the band have forged their name through many live shows around Melbourne, and the CD carries a vibe I’d assume is similar to their live show with changes of pace, sound and rhythm. Labjacd have a big summer ahead with gigs at the upcoming Earthcore Carnival and the Woodfood Folk Festival. Catch them out and about and pick up a CD for something new for your ears.
The CD is available at their gigs as well as Melbourne music stores Basement Discs, Blue Moon Records, Collector's Corner, Polyester Records, This Is It and online via their website www.labjacd.com