Labrador Dali

Labrador Dali matches the surrealistic songwriting of Robert Emmett (vocals, guitar) with some of Chicago's finest talent. Labrador Dali's sound is a swirling cacophony of symphonic chaos rooted to a firm and heavy rhythmic foundation. Their style is the result of influences ranging from late 60's/early 70's garage and psychedelic rock to late 80's/early 90's postmodern powerpop. Scattered throughout are elements of blues, country, jazz, reggae and Americana.

The band's debut CD is the six-song EP 'Exile on Myspace.' Self-recorded and produced, this album helped define both the band and its sound. The full band materialized when Chuck Pinney (Word Bongo, Chuck's Wagon - drums) and "King of the Blues Violin" Ruby Harris (Cornmeal, Phil Circle - violin, mandolin) joined Emmett, Marke Lester (bass) and Lem Roby (heavily effected guitar) on stage at their CD release show on March 10th, 2008. This lineup played in and around Chicago on a regular basis until Chuck left in July of 2008 to concentrate on his own material.

After the band tried out several drummers with no success, Marke Lester decided to return to the drums (his original instrument and former bandmate Gus Kenneth (Everest, Shiloh) came on board on bass. The potent combination of Marke's heavy rock style and Gus's nimble midrange rumble allowed Dali the newfound freedom to stretch out and experiment with longer jams, guitar duelling and crowd participation. Gus's untimely departure in March 2010 meant another bass player search. Tom Susala, noted local gig and session veteran, answered their ad a month later and 'passed the audition'. Tom adds a more blues and R&B style to the band's overall sound.

'Exile On Myspace' is currently available at the band's website, http://labradordali.com, and at their shows. Currently Labrador Dali is finishing up their 'Possum House' EP for a September release and gearing up for some local shows as well as some regional touring.