The Corner Laughers - Concerns Of Wasp And Willow

 

The Corner Laughers first album in almost 6 years is a reason to celebrate. The follow up to 2020's Temescal Telegraph which was our album of the year. You can read my review here. It would always be some going to equal that album and they have.

I suspect many would label the quartet as Indie Pop and Karla Kane's dulcet tones underline that. But there is far more to the band that that with ventures into Folk, Americana and Jaunty Pop. Talking of the latter, Crumb Clean is Indie Pop excellence.

There is a mellowness that washes over you addictively. They are as ease with the dark or the light. The arrangements are superb, allowing the songs to breathe. The shuffle on Red Yarrow, Yellow Yarrow is partly let's do the song right here, but the arrangement shows the work that has gone into the song.

Rainbow Cardigan is troubadour Folk and even gives an inkling of The Seekers. Dusking is Easy Listening Joy, wonderful Pop. Dark Matter is all 60s Studio Pop with hints of the groovy. Victoria Sponge is splendid West Coast harmonic Pop.

My two favourites (and you will have different ones) are the dream like intensity of Larkspur Landing that has a stunning gentle Psych like arrangement. Then there is the arrangement of The Harvestman, a song that builds and builds with another stellar arrangement.

These are days when everything seems 100 mph, attention spans are short. Thank goodness for The Corner Laughers who provide a release that has to be listened to from start to finish. A release that underlines the benefit and strength of the album.

You can listen to and buy the album here. It is available on CD and as a download.

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