Detailed Reviews [Laughing Stock - 2022 - "Zero: Acts 3 & 4"]

Prolusion. Norwegian band Laughing Stock have a history that goes back to 2016 as a band and internal relations within the band dating back a further 40 years or thereabouts. This unit of seasoned musicians have been rather active since they were officially formed and have 5 studio albums to their name so far. "Zero: Acts 3 & 4" is their most recent album, and was released through Norwegian label Apollon Records in the early spring of 2022.

Analysis. As the album name indicates, this latest album by Laughing Stock is a part of a conceptual cycle, and one that started with the first two acts being released as one single album back in 2021. Hence those with an interest in storylines and following them will first need to get and become familiar with this earlier album to be able to harvest the rewards of this latest one. Oh, and as far as style is concerned, at least on this production Laughing Stock appears to orient themselves towards the more accessible aspects of later day Pink Floyd as far as overall sound, mood and atmosphere is concerned. Calm vocals is a recurring presence throughout, and when vocal harmonies are present they tend to have more of a controlled feel to them than an emotional laden one too. This is very much in line with the music itself. While most of the songs tend to alternate between a soft and careful expression and a more vibrant, harder edged and subtly dramatic one, both of these have a tendency to be calm and collected and the latter generally shies away from being overly dramatic or fiery in nature. The gentler escapades here often revolve around careful acoustic guitars and keyboards or organ, occasionally with folk music or pastoral elements adding additional flavor and at times with a slight touch of jazz finding its way into the total experience as well. The harder edged excursions tend to have guitar riffs and the full rhythm section in place, and a generally firmer arrangement. Both will at times have some typical Floydian elements present, ranging from darker toned undercurrents to atmospheric laden, blues-oriented guitar soloing. On occasion we do get songs that wouldn't be out of place on one of the solo albums by Bjorn Riis, for those who are familiar with his endeavors. Trace elements of what might be Americana find their way into this album as well, albeit this latter aspect is very subtle and could be accidental.

Conclusion. This is a very accessible production on all levels. The material shies away from being challenging and focus more on being open, inviting and engaging and then generally by way of subtle and careful methods rather than by using dramatic and expressive effects. The mood and atmosphere is a darker and melancholic one, brooding rather than uplifting, but also managing to stay away from being overly introspective. As already referenced, those who tend to enjoy the more accessible sides of later day Pink Floyd should be an audience well primed to find this album to be an interesting one.

Progmessor: March 2022
The Rating Room