The Hempolics blast organic, roots-soaked vibes into the future. Fat, radio-ready hooks, rumbling sound system basslines, and a wanderlusty sound that’s unmistakably their own. Led by sonic mastermind Grippa Laybourne, the band exploded onto the scene with “Serious,” topping the UK reggae charts and landing on Massive Attack’s BBC takeover.
Their debut Kiss, Cuddle & Torture Vol. 1 lit up BBC6 Music with three playlisted singles and champions including Steve Lamacq, Toddla T, Rodigan and Don Letts. Liz Kershaw crowned it one of her “all killer, no filler” albums of the past 30 years, inviting the band in after hearing their electric live session for Lauren Laverne. Their track “Samurai” even powered the global trailer for the Coen Brothers’ film Hail, Caesar!.
Now with Kiss, Cuddle & Torture Vol. 2, The Hempolics refine their signature “playlist of the attention-deficit generation”. A sunshine-soaked cocktail of reggae, electro, hip-hop, soul, rock and pop, all cooked up in bedrooms and backroom studios across London. Expect mammoth hooks, festival-sized choruses and pure good-vibe energy built for fields, clubs and long drives.
Onstage, they’re dynamite: Nubiya’s celestial vocals, Dandelion’s charismatic grit, Harry’s silky additions, Lorenzo’s deep-digging bass, Leon King’s world-class reggae/dub guitar work and Craig Boorman’s powerhouse drums. A tight-as-a-tick live band forged in their own underground London night.
Praise for The Hempolics:
“The best band in the UK – but nobody knows it yet…” — Maxi Jazz (Faithless)
“Real vintage lo-fi reggae-inspired soul for the 21st century cityscape.” — DJ Vadim
“Great summer vibes… amazing live too!” — Eliza Doolittle
“The best thing I’ve heard in ages.” — La Roux
“Much love to the Hemps.” — Paolo Nutini
“Great summer vibes. Puts a smile on my face. And amazing live too!” – Eliza Doolittle
“The best thing I’ve heard in ages” La Roux
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