Lostboycrow's fourth album, 'The Sound of God Laughing,' harmonizes musical innovation with emotional resonance and personal narratives, encapsulating both the subtle and grand moments of existence.
For Lostboycrow, music represents an avenue for crafting experiences, rather than merely creating songs. With this full-length album, the Oregon-born, LA-based artist welcomes listeners into a realm filled with imperfect characters and genuine, personal truths. Released through Nettwerk Music Group, the album transcends musical genres while capturing both intimate and monumental life moments.
“I want people to immerse themselves in these songs,” shares Lostboycrow, whose real name is Chris Blair. “This past year was about returning to the essence of music. I aimed to express my voice and connect.”
And indeed, it connects. From synth-pop to indie-funk to folk-infused ballads, the album is as fluid and imaginative as the artist himself. Collaborating with longtime partner Sam Beresford, Blair embraced unrestricted exploration.
“We weren’t bound by any limitations,” he remarks. “The sound lent itself to experimentation. It encompasses more than just one vibe.”
The album kicks off with tracks like "Dirty Dancing" and "Pretty in Pink," highlighting its dual nature: danceable yet introspective. The former captures late-night longing, while the latter, a heartfelt love song resurrected from the past, reflects Blair's sentiment of having “unfinished business.”
However, the album also accommodates softer, more intimate reflections. In “Louis & Fritz,” Blair pays tribute to his mother and her childhood best friend, who succumbed to Alzheimer’s.
“It’s my favorite story on the album,” he notes. “It recounts their mischief growing up by a lake in South Dakota and keeping that joy alive.”
Themes of nostalgia, memory, and friendship resonate throughout the track, rooting the album in lived experiences. Songs like “Shake On It” take a more self-reflective approach. “It became an anthem for expression. It’s about embracing your inner child while acknowledging your current self,” he explains.
Self-love and redemption are prevalent themes in the album, particularly in tracks like “Fresh Water Volcano,” which merges a love song with a call for transformation. Even in character-driven songs, Blair blends observation with personal engagement. In “Kyle Was a Cool Goth,” he commemorates a real-life friend with a goth background, using the narrative to reflect elements of himself. “It’s genuinely me as the storyteller, observing this individual and adding my own unique touch.”
This narrative thread extends to his recent work on the Canadian film, Smudge The Blades, which Blair, who produced the movie, describes as a deeper dive into a Mighty Ducks-like story set on the rez.
'The Sound of God Laughing' represents a playful reimagining of creative freedom. As Blair expresses, “It was enjoyable to get my hands dirty and embrace my inner child again. It was a thrill for me, and I hope it’s the same for you.”
Listen to the complete album through our stream below and delve into Lostboycrow’s The Sound of God Laughing as Chris Blair walks us through each track of his fourth album!
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:: stream/purchase The Sound of God Laughing here ::
:: connect with Lostboycrow here ::
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‘The Sound of God Laughing’ – Lostboycrow
:: Inside The Sound of God Laughing ::
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Discount Dreamer
A bright-eyed anthem for the artist’s life and a chance encounter with your most creative self. The line “find your purpose, dust it off” is particularly striking. Hopeful yet yearning. Dreamer. Purpose.
The Sound of God Laughing
A comedic journey through mishaps; a confessional invitation to dance and love without restraint. Joyful. Daydream. Grand gestures. Romantic.
Summer Boy
A sugary love song concealing a reckless, vibrant disco sound. Groove. Summer. Dance. Nightlife.
Dirty Dancing (with DYSN)
A slow-motion display of grand gestures intertwined with subtle movements. Singing. Lounge. Seduction. Travel. Movie. Soundtrack. Slow dance. Sensual.
Leslie Clarett
Named after the character portrayed by Kurtwood Smith in the often-overlooked series “Patriot.” An invitation to change. Embrace a character arc. We are multifaceted beings. Cathartic. Change. Reinvent. Pivot. Hope.
Shake on It
Embracing your inner child. Connecting with your guardian angel. A handshake, a promise. Shake off the negativity and pledge to yourself. Redemption. Self-love. Free-spirited. Anthem.
Fresh Water Volcano
A final plea for humanity. A blend of love song and anthem for change. The world is still filled with beauty. Beauty. Hope. Anthem. Anger.
Dark Comedy Magic
A lament for dystopian romance. Love. Relationships. Folk. Folk pop.
Louis & Fritz
Emily Elbert's "God Is Change" is a heartfelt and spiritually infused anthem that explores themes of grief, growth, and surrender. It emanates deep emotion, subtle strength, and powerful sound as the talented guitarist interprets Octavia Butler’s insights into a profoundly cathartic experience. The piece serves as an intimate and detailed meditation on impermanence, personal tranquility, resilience, and humanity's ability to withstand and transform.
The performance is scheduled to occur in Tufnell Park this summer, prior to the band's UK and European tour.
Lostboycrow's fourth album, 'The Sound of God Laughing,' combines musical innovation with emotional richness and personal narratives, encapsulating both the subtle and grand experiences of life.