Over 2 decades after the death of his father Bradley Nowell (Sublime), 23-year-old Jakob Nowell is poised to release the debut album from his band, LAW. Recorded by Eagles of Death Metal guitarist, Dave Catching, There and Back Again represents LAW’s sonic journey captured within the walls of the renown Rancho De La Luna recording studio, which was prominently featured in Dave Grohl’s Sonic Highways documentary series.
I had the pleasure of talking with Jakob about his band and their album. Jakob is intelligent, humble and justifiably optimistic about his bands future. I get a real sense that he totally gets it. This is his chance to make his mark and he is taking it seriously.
I asked about the title of this album, There And Back Again, and the significance of it. Jakob tells Sound Vapors, “There is a lot of significance in the title and a lot in the choice of words we used in our lyrics and song names and everything. It’s also a reference to this band and our journey as musicians. There’s been a lot of, going there and coming back again both in our conversations and our physical travels and our lives. I think these songs reflect our journey as people and musicians and the progress of our music.”
Jakob also embraces the legacy of his father. I told him that it was a little eerie at times when listening to the album because at certain times he really seems to channel his dad. That is not to say that he is trying to re-create the Sublime sound. Jakob’s vocal performance completely stands on its own but genetics are genetics. Jakob says, “That makes me happy to see that there’s a connection there and that people can kind of see things reminiscent of that. And yeah there’s that genetic similarity and at the same time the elements that I really like from that singing style.”
Jakob made a statement in regards to his band, their future and it’s ties to Sublime. Jakob says, “The four of us over the years have developed a strong brotherhood and a unique sound in our music. We are now finally ready to share our new sound with you the listener. If you have discovered us through your love for my father’s work, then we are more than happy to have you. However, you need to know that we are a different entity entirely in both sound and vision. We have a lot of respect for the fans of Sublime, and if you are discovering us for the first time, maybe you will like what you hear. Regardless of how you found LAW, LAW wants you to listen. LAW wants you to develop an opinion. LAW wants you to decide for yourself, with no preconceived biases. Nick, Aidan, Logun and I create new exciting music that covers all areas of the expansive genre called rock. If you’d like to be a part of this listen close and then prepare to journey out with us. There and Back Again.”
I would encourage you to go out to wherever it is that you listen to music and take fifty-four minutes and one second and give their debut album a listen. I think you’ll thank me later.
-Tommy Marz
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To hear our entire conversation, take a listen to the podcast.
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