Austin Sound

Despite their frequent label of jungle-pop, the Laughing has all the makings of a progressive rock band. At their core, there is heavy percussion passively aided by keyboard and able bass, and, most importantly, a strong lead guitar that frequently digresses into guitar rants typical of the genre. Separated from this often doomed-from-the-start formula of normalcy is the jungle elements that throw them loosely under the label of “tropical”. Although it can be taken too far at times, the local quartet’s first full-length album, Fever, is a jungle playground that is neatly executed with a dangerously typical backing.

Remember The Laughing? Yeah, the awesome dudes who would throw down some spazzy grooves onstage with a stuffed tiger mascot and rocking out in face paint and white denim (no really, for some reason they wore white denim. That’s Austin music synergy, kids!). We thought they were hilarious and great. Some people didn’t. The band seemed to take the criticism kinda personally, and dropped off the map for a while, but have reemerged this summer, just to spite Mr. Powell, we think. They do seem to be taking their shows a bit more seriously in aesthetic these days, but still unload some fevered, arty hooks with trembling vocals. They finally have a new album coming out, aptly titled Fever, that they will be releasing this Thursday at Red 7 with a pretty sweet local bill of the Corto Maltese and the Gospel Truth. They’re also scheduled for a little Fun Fun Fun Fest action next month. Perhaps you’ve heard? Anyway, check out the lead single from Fever below with “Running.”