After Laughter

Rock · 2017 · 12 tracks · 42m

After Laughter

Neon-bright synths and jagged guitars masking a core of profound exhaustion. A masterclass in the 'happy music, sad lyrics' dichotomy.

Vibrant departure

A bright, tropical-themed disco veneer masks a profound emotional collapse on this fifth record. Shimmering 1980s new wave synths, interlocking guitar lines, and crisp, dry percussion replace the distorted guitars of the past, creating a sharp rhythmic playground. Yet beneath these vibrant, danceable grooves lies a heavy, unstable anxiety that addresses depression, exhaustion, and the performance of public happiness in real time.

After Laughter · vs · Paramore

Digital Clarity+4.0σ

The production is built around digital clarity than this artist usually allows.

Tracklist · 12 Tracks · 42m

01

Hard Times

3:03

02

Rose‐Colored Boy

3:33

03

Told You So

3:09

04

Forgiveness

3:40

05

Fake Happy

3:56

06

26

3:42

07

Pool

3:53

08

Grudges

3:07

09

Caught in the Middle

3:34

10

Idle Worship

3:18

11

No Friend

3:24

12

Tell Me How

4:20

Moments Worth Waiting For

01Hard TimesThe marimba-like synth line and buoyant, Afrobeat-inspired rhythm on 'Hard Times' directly contrast the track's bleak lyrics about emotional exhaustion.

0626A lonely acoustic guitar and lush orchestral strings on '26' strip away the upbeat dance rhythms for an intimate, vulnerable ballad.

The return of original drummer Zac Farro brings a crisp, syncopated rhythmic drive that defines the album's sophisticated pop-rock arrangements.

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