ABOUT LAB ADDICTS
Lab Addicts are from South Orange, NJ, and are far more than just another band. This highly talented group produce and write their own style of soulful R&B groove with just enough edge to always remind their audience that their ears stay to the streets.
Lab Addicts are:
John Thomason (JCT)
JCT has developed his musical skills and talents by singing in the choir of his father’s church, writing lyrics, poetry and constantly producing his own music since the age of 10.
Robert Betrus
Robert ‘The Principle’ Betrus has been performing in bands and writing music since the age of 15. A consummate musician and producer Rob can play guitar, bass, keyboards, drums and sing.
Marcel Brooks
Marcel D Brooks p.k.a. Choir Boy ‘D’ was born on the island of Jamaica. His soulful style of singing was shaped in the Pentecostal Churches of Jamaica where gospel lyrics are sung over heavy reggae rhythms.
| Track | Preview |
|---|---|
| Dance All Night |  |
| Tonight | |
| Just 4 Love | |
| I Apologize | |
| More Than Friends | |
| Don't You Know | |
| Groove On (remix) | |
| Movement (bonus track) | |
Modern soul people regularly bemoan the fact that the music they crave isn't being made any more. My advice is always the same - seek and ye shall find! The grooves, the beats, the melodies, the harmonies, the tunes, all the essential elements that make our music so damn addictive are still out there - you just need to know where to look. This lovely little album is a case in point and it's no coincidince that its called "Essential Elements of Soul" - all the wonderful intangible elements I've just listed are here in abundance. Equally after just a quick listen you'll be hooked as the aptly-named Lab Addicts are to the good groove. The trio hail from New Jersey and their roots are in the church while their influences are all the classic soul names - both assertions self-evident from the music. The set kicks off with a real builder of steppin' tune. "Move All Night" clocks in at just over six minutes and if you ain't tapping to it by the end you ain't got soul. "Tonight" is another delicious mid-tempo groove, while "Don't U Know" and "Groove On" offer more of the same. "Just For Love" is a strong ballad while "More Than Friends is a classic slab of group harmony. "Movement" brings proceedings to an end with the kind of sophisticated mid-tempo rhuthms and harmonies that delight knowledgeable modern soul rooms. Last year's big modern set was Will Wheaton; this year so far it's been Jeff Hendricks. The Lab Addicts is shaping up to beat both; like I said up top - seek and ye shall find!
