Laughing Matter
by Wand
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. Paste Magazine
    Apr 25, 2019
    86
    Throughout Laughing Matter, Hanson and Burrows’ lyrics take everything known about defined forms and senses and turn them on their head—sounds can be swallowed, the future’s neck can be cut and life can eat into life--and the album’s improvisational jams, winding outros and emotionally crushing melodies result in perhaps Wand’s most realized release yet.
  2. Dusted Magazine
    Jun 10, 2019
    80
    Laughing Matter is a Major Statement in the classic style, which might have been irksome if Wand hadn’t pulled it off. Successful gestures of this sort can serve the purpose of reminding us why those tropes were satisfying in the first place, and if this album doesn’t quite boast the succinct charms of past releases its makes its own, compelling argument to turn on, tune in, and just let it all wash over you.
  3. Under The Radar
    May 8, 2019
    80
    Aheftier Wand album could never be wrong for its indulgence--but it can be hard to digest the whole record in a sitting without zoning out during some of its spacier stretches. Still, Laughing Matter is once again a huge leap forward for Wand, who are on pace to become one of America's best unsung rock bands.
  5. No Ripcord
    Apr 23, 2019
    80
    Their song-oriented approach recharacterizes a project that was once known for their simple, garage revivalism. Wand now rise above that notion--it's a refreshing move that makes it even harder to pin down their artistic evolution.
  6. Exclaim
    Apr 19, 2019
    80
    Once fast and abrasive, Wand are softer and more thoughtful on Laughing Matter; the fuzz and distortion are no longer a main feature, but rather tools used to add layers of texture and sound alongside rhythmic guitar and evocative keys.
  7. Uncut
    Apr 19, 2019
    80
    Mix[es] up The Bends and OK Computer with a pinch of late Fugazi and Talk Talk. [May 2019, p.37]
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  8. Pitchfork
    Apr 19, 2019
    75
    As they pare away at their sound, Wand move further away from psych-rock and closer to true psychedelia.
  9. AllMusic
    Apr 19, 2019
    70
    It's the final nail in the coffin for their garage roots, but they sound rejuvenated and excited in their unbridled exploration of new sounds.

Awards & Rankings

79
#79 Most Shared Album of 2019

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. musicwizard636
    May 9, 2019
    7
    On the new Wand album "Laughing Matter", some songs stick with flying, wild riffs and hooks. Some songs drone on in a psychedelic haze.On the new Wand album "Laughing Matter", some songs stick with flying, wild riffs and hooks. Some songs drone on in a psychedelic haze. However, in a small way, this band is bringing glory back to the full-band. Writing together as a group with such wit and craftsmanship is admirable and should be celebrated.… Full Review »
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