The Laughing Man

The Laughing Man is a collaboration between longtime musical allies Micah Lashbrook (vocals/guitars/keys) and Marlin George (drums/percussion/bass). A Palace For Alice marks their debut album sounding at times like a rock rickshaw being dragged up hill by a very jolly alchemist, and at others like organic rhythmic music that transcends and elates with a spirit made of heavy winds.

Former efforts to release a record got derailed by personnel changes and later, tragically, by the passing of Lashbrook's mother Alice, whom this album is named after. Unable to continue along the same path that life was taking them prior to Alice's illness, Lashbrook and George poured their heart and soul into a new batch of songs reflecting both heartache and hope. The result of this catharsis is a jaw-dropping spectacle of passion and deliberation that is a rather dramatic departure from their hard rock roots.

With mixmaster expertise from JT Taylor guiding the album's stellar production, A Palace For Alice is an unbridled celebration of life - warts and all. Blending elements of classic rock, indie, dub, funk and even an acoustic folk ballad, The Laughing Man display a mastery of genre-blending both edgy and expressive.

It’s hard not to groove right along to the mellow dancehall vibe of “Mungo Meets Marley” as Lashbrook sings, “I got a new vision, groove it all away”. Likewise, the album’s opener, “¿Say When?” is a gritty urban anthem for the digital age with its haunting refrain “How do I delay a timebomb ticking away?” “All Hail” is a modern rock masterpiece with a breakdown section that’s wickedly retro and yet fresh at the same time. The album’s closer, “Down to the Bone” is easily the album’s most personal moment and probably the most achingly beautiful song you’ll hear this year. Indeed, it’s been a long time since there’s been anything comparable to the talent and sincerity pulsing through The Laughing Man’s A Palace for Alice.