Laughing Stock

Songs For The Future

Apollon, 2023

9/10

Listen to Songs For The Future

This 5th album from the Norwegian prog-rockers Laughing Stock has the trio honoring the music that shaped them in the early ‘80s, and it even includes some of their heroes in attendance.

“For The Boys” gets the listen off to a melodic and warm start, where soulful brass, smooth percussion and the inimitable pipes of Colin Moulding (of XTC) are appreciated, and “Something Happens” soon arrives with Steinar Borve’s bright sax and Tobias Gustum Lindstad’s animated trombone for the adventurous jazz rock ideas.

Further on, the graceful piano of “December” aligns nicely with Borve’s intimate brass for the dreamy climate, while “The Ocean” offers upbeat and melodic textures that benefits much from Billy Sherwood’s (of Yes) distinct voice.

Closer to the end, “It Is Time” flows with a rich, hazy demeanor, where The Hurum Horns contribute trumpet and tuba for the powerful, slow burning album highlight, and “Stay Awhile” exits with cozy acoustic guitar, charming percussion and a gentle classic rock appeal.

Laughing Stock consists of Mikael Sørensen, Håvard Enge and Jan Erik K Nilsen, and their artistic and timeless approach to song craft makes for yet another first rate and globally enjoyable listen

Travels well with: 35 Tapes- Home; Pymlico- On This Day

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