London’s Ivy Lab has been keeping very busy over the last few years, making numerous appearances at festivals and clubs throughout the PNW. With multiple performances in Vancouver and Seattle, plus life changing sets at Bass Coast & Shambhala, the name of Ivy Lab has become synonymous with halftime in the region. . .and it doesn’t take much effort to figure out why.
A group that built their foundation on drum & bass, Ivy Lab has been blending their skills as individual artists to meticulously create their own unique sound. One that combines their previous knowledge with crisp production, and that wobbly low end bass.
Sabre & Stray bringing the heat at Bass Coast 2016 (Pic by JoffreyPhoto)
However, what was once a trio will be moving forward as a dynamic duo, as Halogenix decided to step away from the group to pursue his own solo work. Seeing how deeply involved he still is with the drum & bass scene, and how Ivy Lab seems to be drifting away from that direction of music, it’s a move that shouldn’t come as a big surprise. With two fire solo EP releases in 2017 and tour appearances happening less frequently, it was all just a matter of time:
“After five incredible years, I have decided to hang up my Ivy Lab hat to focus on my output as Halogenix. We have learned and grown so much together, not only as musicians, but as people. We made music that we are all extremely proud of, threw some of the most incredible parties, run a dope label, and toured the world… It’s been a tough decision to make and I’m really excited for what the future holds.” – Halogenix
Mind you, it’s not all bad news coming out of Ivy Lab’s. . .lab. Just days after the departure of Halogenix, the remaining duo of Sabre & Stray dropped the juicy news we’d all been waiting for—the announcement of their debut album!
Album Artwork
The announcement over the weekend came with pre-order and limited edition poster bundle options. While the date is still a little ways off, they did do us the pleasure of releasing the first slapper from Death Don’t Always Taste Good, which you can listen to below.
If Cake is any indication of what’s coming down the pipe from Ivy Lab, then we’re almost ready to call it for album of the year right now. . .but we won’t get ahead of ourselves until May. However, if you don’t want to wait until May, there’s a good chance you’ll hear some new tracks if you’re anywhere near Calgary on April 6.
Death Don’t Always Taste Good drops May 11 on Ivy Lab’s own label, 20/20 LDN . Don’t sleep on it!
What do you think of the new Ivy Lab single? Let us know your thoughts below or on social media!
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