“It’s been an interesting road full of heartfelt greetings, cold goodbyes, successes, failures, falling and getting up,” Ben Labat mutters, his voice tinged with the gravelly weariness of someone who’s seen too much and felt even more. “But I truly believe the ringing in the ears is worth a song in the heart.”

Hailing from the sweltering depths of Louisiana, this troubadour has weathered more storms than he cares to count, and his latest collection of tunes tells the tale of every twist and turn that led him here – to this moment, this stage, this crossroads of life and art. The scars of his journey run deep, etched into the very fabric of his emotionally charged melodies and raw, unfiltered lyrics.

photo by @benlabatmusic

“This is probably the most diverse and hopeful collection of songs I’ve released so far,” Labat declares, his eyes flickering with a glimmer of hard-earned hope. They’re about looking back, seizing the damn day, embracing the stumbles, and realizing that sometimes, the journey is the damn destination. And as he speaks, you can’t help but nod in agreement, caught up in the clever wordplay and infectious melodies that define his debut full lenght solo album which is called ‘Doin’ Life’.

Yeah, back in 2010, that’s when it all started. Ben Labat, he decided to unleash his brand of feel-good vibes on the world, forming “Ben Labat and the Happy Devil.” And let me tell you, since then, they’ve been dropping bombs. Four killer albums: “A Face for Radio,” “Soapbox Anthems,” “The Revival,” and “Homeward,” from 2010 to 2017.

Full of twists, turns, highs, and lows. You check out his stuff, his whole catalogue, and it’s like each record’s got its own soul, its own vibe. It’s like they’re all part of this wild, tangled story, connected by some invisible thread. And now, adding to that impressive lineup comes Ben’s latest masterpiece. “Doin’ Life” takes everything that’s damn good and multiplies that successful formula. You listen to this album, and it’s like you’re diving headfirst into a whirlwind of sound and emotion.

Do you feel the tingles running down your skin with the first track “Telescoping Dreams”? The power and passion of this alternative music, blended with a light wave of bright pop mood, seem to give you energy for the whole day.

And how the mood changes with the next track, “Warhorses in Starlight”! It’s like Labat grants you moments of freedom, tranquility, relaxation. The transition from a fast rhythm to sensual acoustic, and then to this minor, low atmosphere — it’s something incredible.

photo by @benlabatmusic

“When the World Runs out of Tomorrows” is simply a masterpiece! That dark, minimalist atmosphere, synthesizer elements — they seem to change the whole album’s landscape. The thick bass, flawless guitars, vocals that grip you from the first notes… It’s something truly special that doesn’t let you go for a moment.

“My Whole World” and “My Look-A-Like” tracks are true experiments with mood. “My Whole World” is a poignant ballad that just makes you savor every note, while “My Look-A-Like” is like a new milestone in sound. Here, Ben’s vocals take a bit of a back seat to showcase a new approach to music. This innovative sound, it’s simply impressive, making you come back to this album again and again to unravel all its secrets.

And what to say about the tracks “Hanging out with Daylights” and “Empty Pages” – my favorite ballads on the album. The combination of harmonious voices and soft watery sounds makes you feel joy and hope. And the album concludes with the track “Empty Pages,” where the musician seems to pour his entire soul and passion. Perfect melodies, stunning guitars, and sensual performance… and then a sudden shift in sound, plunging into a state of shock. It’s that moment that only true music, a true work of art meticulously crafted from the first note to the last, can create.

I strongly recommend everyone to listen to this album. In it, everyone will find something of their own, something that will give them strength to move forward. It’s as if Ben Labat has taken you by the hand and guides you on the path of salvation, helping to heal through his music. And here’s an interesting fact: Ben says he has about 100 more songs in reserve. That’s what you call true creative drive! So subscribe, listen to the music, because ahead lies even more impeccable masterpieces!

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub