There’s something quietly fascinating about Labrador Labratories. Not just because of the music itself, but because the band’s entire story feels like something pulled from a novel. What started as a fictional musician invented by founder Tom Gottlieb eventually grew into a real band with five albums, international tours, and a loyal following. Now, after a lengthy hiatus, they’re back with ‘Coded to be Free’—and it feels like the perfect song for a group whose history has always blurred the line between reality and imagination.
Musically, the track settles into a dreamy, hypnotic groove almost immediately. Built around warm vocals, hazy guitars, and subtle electronic textures, ‘Coded to be Free’ doesn’t rush to make its point. Instead, it gently pulls you into its world, allowing every detail to reveal itself at its own pace. There’s a lo-fi charm running throughout, but beneath that sits a carefully crafted arrangement that feels both intimate and expansive. It’s the kind of song that becomes more rewarding the longer you spend with it.
What makes the single particularly interesting is how closely its themes connect to the band’s own story. Long before conversations about online identities, AI-generated personas, and digital authenticity became commonplace, Labrador Labratories were already experimenting with those ideas through their own fictional origins. More than a decade later, ‘Coded to be Free’ feels like a reflection on that journey, exploring freedom, identity, and what it means to be authentic in a world where reality often feels increasingly blurred.
The accompanying video, created by artist Ella Michaeli, adds another layer of charm. Following two chairs escaping a Berlin furniture store for a romantic day together, it’s playful, quirky, and surprisingly moving. Like the song itself, it uses an unconventional concept to explore something deeply human beneath the surface.
For a comeback single, ‘Coded to be Free’ feels remarkably assured. Rather than trying to reinvent themselves, Labrador Labratories lean into what they’ve always done best: creating thoughtful, atmospheric music with genuine heart. It’s a warm, absorbing return from a band whose story remains every bit as compelling as the songs they create.
