We Speak Music
Rob Lalain’s ‘Life’ – A Triumphant Return to the Musical Stage
After a 20-year hiatus, Rob Lalain has made an electrifying return to the music scene with his new album, Life. This long-awaited release is more than just a comeback; it’s a bold reassertion of Lalain’s creative genius, blending the familiar warmth of classic rock and pop with a fresh, modern edge that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
Life is an album that effortlessly bridges the gap between past and present, weaving together vibrant melodies with deeply personal lyrics that draw listeners in from the very first note. The opening track, “Coming Home,” sets the tone for the entire album. It’s a powerful introduction that immediately showcases Lalain’s talent for creating music that feels timeless yet distinctly contemporary. The track’s reflective nature invites listeners on an emotional journey, setting up the themes of love, loss, and personal growth that permeate the album.
The musical craftsmanship on display throughout Life is nothing short of impressive. Lalain’s choice of instruments, ranging from the vintage 1957 Fender American Telecaster Pro to the contemporary 2022 Epiphone Riviera Noel Gallagher Edition, enriches the album’s sound with a dynamic and layered quality. These instruments aren’t just tools; they are extensions of Lalain’s artistic expression, each contributing to the album’s rich tapestry of sound.
One of the standout moments on the album is Lalain’s collaboration with Sean Weyers on the track “Bulletproof.” This partnership, Lalain’s first in over two decades, breathes new life into his classic style, adding a fresh and contemporary edge that highlights his versatility. The track demonstrates Lalain’s ability to evolve while staying true to his musical roots, a balance that many artists struggle to achieve after such a long hiatus.
Lalain’s songwriting shines throughout Life, with each song revealing layers of poetic depth that resonate deeply with listeners. The themes of the album are universal, yet Lalain’s personal touch makes them feel intimate and relatable. His ability to blend diverse instruments and intricate arrangements results in a polished production that feels both sophisticated and heartfelt.
In Life, Rob Lalain has created a compelling and multifaceted musical experience that reaffirms his artistic vision. The album not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also sets a high bar for his future projects. It’s a testament to Lalain’s enduring talent and his ability to create music that is both timeless and relevant, making Life a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Listen here:
This October, Hip-hop inna yardie style (old school fusion between reggae and hip-hop) collective L’Entourloop are set to rock UK stages, with shows in Liverpool, London & Bristol. Their Bristol date at The Trinity Center and their first London date at Village Underground are already SOLD OUT, leading to a second London date being added to deal with the high demand that L’Entourloop’s unforgettable shows create.
The dates will see L’entourloop hitting higher than ever as they perform tracks from their huge back catalogue, as well as their latest 20 track album “La clarté dans la confusion” (“Clarity in Confusion”).
Produced in their now legendary Bandulu Studio, the new album is a result of a patient production process, carried out with care and passion. Throughout the album, L’Entourloop testifies in its own way via a puzzle of film samples, of this strange period that we have just gone through collectively, using all its savoir faire when it comes to make the people dance.
Since 1964, when the song “My Boy Lollipop” flooded the European radio airwaves, L’Entourloop’s love for reggae and its culture has never stopped growing. With this third album, they wanted to pay tribute to the legendary pioneers of this incredible movement – artists and producers such as Tom Wong, Count Machuki, Prince Buster and Lee “Scratch” Perry. An album which is a true declaration of love for soundsystem culture and its children – reggae, dancehall and hip-hop.
The success of their previous albums “Chickens in Your Town” (2015) and “Le Savoir Faire” (2017), with their famous “Banging Hip-Hop Inna Yardie Style” quickly brought L’Entourloop into the spotlight, along with their hundreds of shows performed all over Europe. The mysterious collective continues to bring together an ever-growing audience around the world, as proved by their hundreds of millions of plays on music platforms.
True lovers of vinyl and old cinema, in their perpetual quest for the ultimate sample, the insatiable diggers kept their fans waiting by first dropping the excellent DJ-Mix “Start From Scratch” in the summer of 2021, followed by a series of 3 official remixes, including the Reunion Island anthem “Li Sem”.
Another striking characteristic of L’Entourloop is the great ability of King James and Sir Johnny to gather incredible guests from around the world. Whether with Skarra Mucci and their now classic “Dreader Than Dread” or their excellent EP “Golden Nuggets” (2019), Capleton for the extravagant remix of “Burn Dem Down”, producer Panda Dub they collaborated with on “Le Bonheur” or French singer Biga Ranx for their hit “Push The Limits”, L’Entourloop has the gift of giving birth to collaborations that mark the spirits.
With no less than 32 guests from all over the world, MCs fling lyrics like guns like in a western movie and the new album is no exception!
On the reggae side, Jamaican legends such as Ken Boothe and Bounty Killer meet new generation stars such as Alborosie, Kabaka Pyramid, Queen Omega and Marcus Gad. On the hip-hop side Chali 2Na from legendary US group Jurassic 5, Swedish MC Promoe from Looptroop Rockers, US rapper Rêverie, the excellent JuJu Rogers, French beatmaker Degiheugi and the irresistible South African female rapper Dope St Jude all make appearances.
The UK vibe can also be felt with features from jungle and dancehall pioneers General Levy and Tippa Irie as well as heavyweights of the grime scene Flowdan, Lady Chann and Killa P. Fellow French artists are also in the spotlight with guests such as Big Red, O.B.F and Manudigital. To complete this amazing cast, L’Entourloop has once again called on the incomparable Troy Berkley from Bermuda and the talented trumpeter N’Zeng, formerly of Le Peuple de l’Herbe, to accompany the collective on the road alongwith a new addition – excellent Dutch rapper BlabberMouf, who has just joined the killer new live show.
L’Entourloop UK Tour 2024
05/10/2024- Liverpool (UK)- Hangar 34
06/10/2024- London (UK)- Village Underground – SOLD OUT
07/10/2024- London (UK)- Village Underground
08/10/2024- Bristol (UK)- Trinity Center- SOLD OUT
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