aaamusic | On 03, Jul 2012

Goodbye, Labrador, with roots in Brooklyn, Barcelona and Prague, blend stateside harmonies with distinctly European nostalgia.

 

Formed in 2008 in a dimly-lit bar in Barcelona’s neighbourhood of Grácia, eager to create the band decided to use their shared love of early 80s punk and post-punk, to 90s art rock. They began recording demos before relocating to different cities. Later, they reunited for their first shows in Portugal, which earned them many fans.

Long distance relationships are gut-wrenchingly difficult. Producing an album long distance is something entirely different—and exponentially more challenging.

 

The early days proved to be quite difficult. It meant long days writing in musty rehearsal rooms and countless nights sleeping on foreign beds and couches on both sides of the Atlantic. Song ideas were traded by email, band meetings held via Skype. A great idea that was inspired at midnight in New York had to wait until the next day to be heard in Europe.

 

In 2010, NYC, the band recorded and produced their self-titled debut, featuring catchy vocal duets over layered guitars and mechanical rhythms. In 2011, following performances in the US and Europe, the band began work on their follow-up release in Lisbon, Portugal.

 

The band describes their work sessions as intense and consuming, requiring monk-like dedication. But they have grown together through these immersive experiences, forging deep friendships and a shared creative voice. When asked about what being in Goodbye, Labrador has meant to him, singer Martin Pípal simply responds, “to belong where I want to belong.”

 

Goodbye, Labrador are:

 

Martin Pípal (Guitar, Vocals)

 

Phil Gold (Guitar, Percussion, Vocals)

Gonçalo Hipolito Martins (Bass, Vocals)

J. M. Silverman (Drums, Percussion)