Laslow Simplex, a musical wanderer inspired by California's landscapes and life's curious corners, returns with his latest album, ‘Dismal Science Fair’. This collection of sonic snapshots captures the tumultuous times we've lived through, blending folk-rock, country, jazz, and Americana influences to create a unique and thought-provoking musical experience.
The album kicks off with the upbeat ‘OK Boomer,’ a timeless folk single that serves as a rustic and welcoming introduction. Despite its cheerful melody, the song's tongue-in-cheek lyrics hint at the sardonic wit that permeates the rest of the album. From the political satire of ‘Straw Men’ to the pandemic-inspired ‘First Night of Oblivion’, Laslow Simplex tackles weighty themes with a deft touch, balancing scathing social commentary with moments of introspection and reflection.
Musically, Laslow Simplex offers a dynamic melting pot, blending his acoustic style with a moving and colourful stream of country, folk, jazz, and Americana. ‘Flat Earth Astronaut’ marries atmospheric touches and quiet balladry with knowing callbacks and dry humour, a constant reminder that gravity always wins, even in a world where facts are increasingly up for debate. Meanwhile, the aforementioned ‘First Night of Oblivion’ hits home perfectly with its solitary acoustic guitar and calling vocals, inviting the listener into a more intimate space, contemplating the fragility of existence in an age of uncertainty.
As the album progresses, Laslow Simplex delivers knowing existential musings in ‘Selected’ and the blossoming, rolling energy of ‘Flash Bang’, a song buoyed by repeated calls to get out of the house. In the latter half of the album, songs like ‘Talking Replication Crisis Blues’ tie together lingering blues tones with a knowing perspective on clinical trials and replications, while closing number ‘Fall Down Again’ delivers a fitting end, leaning on an authentic, acoustic melody and a final expressive lesson. It’s a final and undeniable snapshot of Laslow Simplex, with clever lyrics delivered in a voice that's both world-weary and wry, painting vivid pictures of a world grappling with uncertainty and change.
‘Dismal Science Fair’, encapsulates this sense of disquiet, offering a satirical pun that targets the state of economics and the human condition. It is an album full of simple but effective melodies and rustic charm. It's a testament to Laslow Simplex's ability to find beauty and humour in even the most challenging of times. As he explained when speaking about the album, “We've been through a lot and everyone has their coping mechanism - mine is writing songs.”
With its blend of honest, sometimes scathing, sometimes hopeful, and always reflective views, backed by a constantly evolving sound, this album delivers waves of meticulously crafted and uniquely self-aware sounds. It's a sonic journey that's both entertaining and thought-provoking, inviting us to reflect on the world around us and our place within it.
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