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Fun Fun Fun Fest Preview: the Laughing
Cory Ryan
When the Laughing played its first shows in 2006, the local quartet were noticed as much for their distinctive on-stage aesthetic as for their synth-filled dance rock. They boasted a mascot — a stuffed tiger named Svan — and a glam sensibility with matching face paint and white denim vests. Some found the look amusing and entertaining. Some didn’t. The Austin Chronicle slammed the group’s debut EP, 2007’s buzzed, energetic “Tiger Cry,” as an exercise in gimmickry.
“It was sort of a unique experience to get publicly ridiculed for what was, at the time, a hobby,” says Logan Middleton, singer, guitarist and occasional glockenspiel player. “But every time you put something out there you have to accept the fact that some people are going to hate it. If I really had a problem with that I wouldn’t go out and do anything in public.”
Two and a half years later, the group has shed its visual shtick and released its first full-length album, the groove-filled and mildly psychedelic “Fever.” It’s the result of a full year of recording and studio experimentation, with production assists from Erik Wofford — the acclaimed producer and mixer who’s worked with everyone from Voxtrot to Explosions in the Sky — and Danny Reisch, of the Lemurs.
Of course, shedding the costumes — which the band first adopted as an homage to 1979 cult favorite “The Warriors” — was partially a decision based on “impracticality and laziness,” says Middleton. Getting into and out of wardrobe over the course a half-dozen South By Southwest day parties while chasing a hangover would make any band question its stylistic choices. But it’s also a reflection of the band’s increased level of musical seriousness since spring 2007.
“It’s always been really about the music for us, and as it’s progressed we’ve moved more towards that and stripped down things that were sort of gimmicky,” Middleton says. “I honestly think the novelty wore off for us.”
Although the Laughing remain committed to their original goal of being a fun live band, they’ve diversified their sound, and it shows on “Fever.” The album has all the spazzy hooks the band is known for, but influences ranging from Harry Nilsson to Phil Collins have found their way in as well. Waves of sound and a slightly hallucinatory feel recall the 13th Floor Elevators, while ample instrumentation — flute, clarinet, glockenspiel, saxophone — helps keep things varied.
Holding together the disparate elements on display is the drumming of Grant Van Amburgh, whose rhythmic flourishes are placed front and center.
“I kind of get to do what I want. I think of the drums almost as another guitar part,” says Van Amburgh. “I’m not just playing a beat or holding it down like in some bands.”
The end result is an album that plays to the group’s strengths — an energetic rocker that audiences can dance to that still maintains just a bit of an edge, a slight tinge of weirdness that recalls, in spirit if not visuals, the fun oddness that once characterized their live performance. And if there are any bad reviews in the pipeline, Middleton is mentally prepared.
“Oh, now we’re ready. We’re releasing a record that we have a lot invested in and I’m ready for people to say it’s terrible,” says Middleton. “I don’t think it is, but if it comes down to it I feel better prepared.”
The Laughing will play at 12:35 p.m. Saturday on the Orange Stage.
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Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Fun Fun Fun Fest
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By r
November 3, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this
Good musicians - attended their CD release recently - excellent LIVE performers and good CD recording.
check out their sounds on myspace - Help Me, Favorite, Elevators …it’s alll good
By Garland
November 7, 2009 6:26 PM | Link to this
amazing live amazing in the car amazing everywhere. they rock and everyone should listen to them!