Stitching together nostalgic influences and modern flair, Laughing Cats is a new duo that’s rapidly making an impression with their original sound. Formed by guitarist and veteran musician Tony Fredianelli, formerly of Third Eye Blind and New York stage actress Lauren Schiff, the pair combines their diverse talents to create music brimming with emotive storytelling and genre-blending aesthetics.
Tony Fredianelli’s legacy in rock music needs little introduction; with over a decade as a key member of Third Eye Blind, he’s crafted songs that have become anthems of the genre. After his departure, he changed tack, working behind the scenes on various projects before meeting Lauren Schiff, a stage performer whose theatrical background and expressive vocal range brought a new dimension to Tony’s guitar-driven foundations.
Their collaboration began almost by chance with Lauren, married to an asset manager who mentioned Tony’s music background in passing, reached out with the hope of sparking a creative partnership. What began as casual sessions quickly evolved into a full project, with a trove of material that demanded a larger platform and thus, Laughing Cats was born. Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like The Beatles, The Velvet Underground and The Zombies, as well as the sounds of the 60s and 80s, Laughing Cats injects these timeless influences into their cutting edge musical output.
This vision is set to come to life in their upcoming debut album, Funny Money, recorded in Las Vegas with revered audio engineer Vinnie Castaldo. The release strategy, dropping singles every few weeks, offers fans a step-by-step immersion into their creative universe. The first taste arrived in September with the release of “GYB,” the pair’s first single. Now, their second offering, “Jerk,” leans into shimmering alternative pop with a heavy influence from the 80s and 90s. Beneath the surface, “Jerk” carries a resonant message of reflection and accountability.
The lyrics flip the typical context of blame, with the protagonist acknowledging their own faults, making “Jerk” an anthem of empowerment, encouraging listeners to embrace imperfection and take responsibility in their personal relationships. Brought in by airy synth textures and a downtempo beat, Lauren’s elegant voice glides in above the pulsing energy of the electronic arrangement while the rattling punch of the drums maintains a steady rhythm which gradually builds towards the chorus.
Bursting into a colourful alternative synth pop sound, infectious vocal hooks soar above the bright instrumentation and subtly danceable energy to craft an instantly memorable sound. Putting their compelling songwriting and performance panache on full display, “Jerk” sees Laughing Cats deliver another charming pop-focused outing that continues to confirm the hype around them while further building the excitement for their forthcoming debut album.
Listen to Jerk below
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