Labrador 101 Breathes New Fire into a Classic: “What I Am”
In the ever-evolving world of rock music, few bands manage to seamlessly blend nostalgia with innovation the way Labrador 101 does. Hailing from Israel, this powerhouse of post-grunge and progressive rock has carved a niche for themselves with deeply introspective lyricism and commanding soundscapes. Formed by Nir Bar Av and Gil Ishai, the band has garnered a dedicated following, thanks to their ability to channel raw emotion into sonic experiences that resonate with a modern audience. Now, Labrador 101 is set to unveil their dynamic reimagining of “What I Am,” the classic track by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians, injecting it with a new sense of urgency, grit, and a revitalized identity.
Labrador 101 approaches “What I Am” not as a simple cover but as a reawakening. They harness the essence of the original—its existential musings, laid-back groove, and catchy introspection—but electrify it with a deep, textured sonic landscape. The band’s signature post-grunge influences are on full display, creating an atmosphere that is both immersive and gripping. Gil Ishai’s vocals are raw and impassioned, guiding the listener through a journey that feels simultaneously familiar and brand new.
The instrumental execution is a testament to the band’s chemistry and artistic depth. A commanding rhythm section, spearheaded by Nir Bar Av’s bass and synth work, intertwines seamlessly with Erez Naveh’s driving percussion. Meanwhile, Shlomo Attias’ lead guitar injects an edge that heightens the song’s emotional stakes, ensuring that every note lands with weight and intention. The result is a track that retains the essence of its predecessor while transforming into something undeniably Labrador 101.
At the heart of “What I Am” lies a philosophical exploration of self-identity, knowledge, and belief. The opening lines—”I’m not aware of too many things / I know what I know, if you know what I mean”—immediately set the tone for a track that revels in paradoxes and self-reflection. The song challenges conventional wisdom, questioning the significance of structured thought systems like philosophy and religion. Labrador 101’s interpretation enhances these themes with a visceral intensity, making the lyrics feel even more urgent and reflective of modern existential struggles.
Lines like “Philosophy is the talk on a cereal box / Religion is the smile on a dog” suggest a critique of oversimplification—how deep, intricate concepts are often reduced to palatable, commercialized fragments. The imagery evokes a sense of disillusionment with the way society packages and delivers meaning, a sentiment that Labrador 101 amplifies with their weighty instrumentation and atmospheric production.
Perhaps the most powerful line in the track, “Choke me in the shallow water before I get too deep,” serves as both a warning and a plea. It reflects a fear of plunging into the depths of self-awareness, of grappling with truths that might be too heavy to bear. Labrador 101 leans into this motif, ensuring that every power chord and drumbeat reinforces the gravity of this internal struggle.
What sets this rendition apart is the careful balance between aggression and fluidity. The interplay between the rough, grunge-laden guitar work and the smooth yet forceful rhythm section creates a soundscape that feels vast and immersive. The track builds dynamically, shifting between reflective moments and cathartic bursts of energy. It is a masterclass in reinvention—maintaining the laid-back groove of the original while injecting a dose of modern rock’s raw power.
Unlike many contemporary covers that simply modernize a song through production techniques, Labrador 101 reconstructs “What I Am” from the ground up. Their version thrives on texture—every guitar riff, every vocal inflection, and every drum fill contributes to an experience that feels alive, pulsating with emotion and meaning.
“What I Am” arrives at a pivotal time for Labrador 101, as they gear up for the release of their fourth album, ‘War is All Over’. Following their quietly published third album, ‘So Much Better’, which emerged against the backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, the band’s upcoming record promises to be their most urgent and socially conscious work yet. The inclusion of “What I Am” in their repertoire reinforces their commitment to thought-provoking music—songs that don’t just entertain but challenge listeners to reflect and engage with the world around them.
Labrador 101 has always been more than just a band; they are a movement. Their ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant makes them one of the most compelling forces in modern rock. With “What I Am,” they bridge the gap between past and present, proving that great songs are not merely meant to be remembered—they are meant to evolve.
For fans of post-grunge, alternative rock, and music that dares to ask the big questions, this latest release is not to be missed. Labrador 101’s “What I Am” is not just a cover—it’s a statement, a reinvention, and a raw, electrifying declaration of artistic identity.
