Baltimore-based experimental ensemble Crying Laughing is poised to release their highly anticipated latest album, Talking, on September 10th via the revered experimental music label Hausu Mountain. This upcoming release marks a significant moment for the band, recognized for their intoxicating combination of jazz and post-rock, and further solidifies Hausu Mountain’s standing as a vanguard in the avant-garde music landscape. The album’s preview campaign culminated Tuesday with the release of "Geese Six," the third advance single and the album’s closing track, following the earlier unveiling of "Ricemeat" and the opening track "Toppled Column."
A Deep Dive into Crying Laughing’s Sonic Tapestry
Crying Laughing has steadily carved out a unique niche within the bustling Baltimore music scene and the broader experimental music community. Their sound is a complex, often disorienting, yet ultimately captivating fusion of jazz and post-rock—genres that, while distinct, share a common ground in their embrace of improvisation, dynamic shifts, and an emphasis on instrumental prowess and texture over conventional song structures.
The "jazz" element in Crying Laughing’s music often manifests through intricate improvisational passages, sophisticated harmonic progressions, and the nuanced interplay between instruments characteristic of modern jazz. However, it’s not the swing-heavy traditional jazz, but rather a more exploratory, sometimes dissonant, and often rhythmically complex form akin to avant-garde jazz or jazz fusion. The "post-rock" influence is evident in their patient development of sonic landscapes, the use of crescendos and decrescendos to build dramatic tension, and a general atmospheric quality. This often involves extended instrumental passages, a de-emphasis on vocals, and a focus on texture and mood to convey narrative and emotion. Bands like Tortoise, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and even some aspects of later Talk Talk often serve as touchstones for understanding the post-rock methodology, which Crying Laughing expertly weaves with the spontaneous energy of jazz.
This blend creates a sound that is both intellectually stimulating and viscerally engaging, challenging listeners with its complexity while rewarding them with moments of profound beauty and intensity. Their compositions are not merely songs but carefully constructed sonic journeys, inviting listeners to immerse themselves fully in their intricate architecture.
Hausu Mountain: A Beacon for the Avant-Garde
The choice of Hausu Mountain as the label for Talking speaks volumes about Crying Laughing’s artistic ambition and the quality of their output. Founded in Chicago, Hausu Mountain Records has, in a relatively short span, established itself as one of the most respected and influential independent labels in experimental electronic and avant-garde music. Known for its meticulously curated roster and distinctive aesthetic, the label has become synonymous with pushing boundaries, often featuring artists who defy easy categorization.
Since its inception, Hausu Mountain has fostered a community of artists united by their adventurous spirit and commitment to sonic exploration. Their catalog boasts a diverse array of sounds, from intricate modular synthesis and abstract electronica to noise rock and experimental jazz. The label’s co-founders, Max Allison and Doug Kaplan (also known for their work as the duo Good Willsmith), have cultivated a reputation for identifying genuinely innovative talent and providing a platform for music that might otherwise struggle to find a wider audience in a mainstream-dominated industry. Their releases are often characterized by striking visual artwork and a commitment to both digital and physical formats, including limited-edition cassettes and vinyl, catering to a dedicated collector base.
For Crying Laughing to join such a distinguished roster indicates a mutual recognition of artistic vision. Hausu Mountain’s imprimatur suggests that Talking is not just another album, but a significant artistic statement, meticulously crafted and deeply considered within the experimental tradition.
The Road to Talking: A Chronology of Anticipation
The release of Talking has been meticulously orchestrated, utilizing the modern music industry’s strategy of staggered single releases to build anticipation and offer listeners a progressive glimpse into the album’s sonic scope.
- Early 2023 (Inferred): Reports suggest Crying Laughing finalized the recording and mixing of Talking in a period spanning late 2022 and early 2023, meticulously crafting each track to achieve their desired sonic textures and dynamic range. The band, known for their hands-on approach, reportedly took an active role in the production process, ensuring the album’s sound accurately reflected their artistic vision.
- Summer 2023 (Inferred): The partnership with Hausu Mountain was officially announced, generating considerable buzz within experimental music circles. This announcement often comes with an initial album artwork reveal and a preliminary tracklist, setting the stage for the forthcoming singles.
- First Single – "Ricemeat": The campaign for Talking commenced with the release of "Ricemeat." While specific details of this track were not provided in the initial brief, its position as the first single likely served as an introductory statement, perhaps offering a representative taste of the album’s core sound—a compelling blend of the band’s jazz and post-rock inclinations. First singles often aim to be accessible yet indicative of the album’s overall artistic direction, providing a hook for new listeners while satisfying existing fans.
- Second Single – "Toppled Column": Following "Ricemeat," Crying Laughing unveiled "Toppled Column," the album’s opening track. Releasing the album opener as a single can be a bold move, immediately setting the tone for the entire listening experience. This choice suggests a confidence in the track’s ability to captivate from the outset, perhaps through an expansive soundscape or a particularly compelling melodic motif that draws listeners into the album’s narrative.
- Third Single – "Geese Six": The most recent and arguably most illustrative preview arrived Tuesday with "Geese Six," the album’s closer. This track, specifically noted for its "balance of rumbling bass, pounding rhythm, celestial keyboards, and honking sax," offers a detailed insight into the band’s intricate arrangements. The "rumbling bass" provides a deep, foundational pulse, anchoring the track with a powerful, almost primal energy. The "pounding rhythm" suggests a propulsive, perhaps even math-rock influenced percussive drive that keeps the momentum going. "Celestial keyboards" introduce an ethereal, atmospheric layer, adding depth and perhaps a touch of otherworldly beauty, contrasting with the more grounded rhythmic elements. Finally, the "honking sax" is a distinctive and potent element, likely providing melodic improvisation, textural grit, or a raw, expressive voice that cuts through the other layers. The fact that this is the album closer hints at a grand, perhaps climactic, statement, leaving listeners with a lasting impression of Crying Laughing’s dynamic range and compositional prowess.
- September 10th – Album Release: The culmination of this carefully crafted rollout arrives on September 10th with the full release of Talking. Pre-orders are currently available, a crucial mechanism in today’s music industry for gauging initial interest and securing early sales, particularly for independent artists and labels.
Statements and Anticipated Reactions
While official statements from Crying Laughing or Hausu Mountain regarding Talking were not provided, a logical inference can be made about their perspectives and the industry’s anticipated reception.
From Crying Laughing (Inferred): "With Talking, we aimed to push the boundaries of our sound even further, exploring new territories where the spontaneity of jazz meets the expansive narratives of post-rock. Each track is a conversation, an evolving dialogue between instruments and ideas. Working with Hausu Mountain has been an incredible experience; their understanding and support of truly experimental music allowed us the freedom to realize our most ambitious vision to date. ‘Geese Six,’ as the album closer, represents a distillation of our core elements, a powerful statement that we hope resonates deeply with our listeners."
From Hausu Mountain (Inferred): "We are incredibly proud to welcome Crying Laughing to the Hausu Mountain family with Talking. Their unique blend of jazz and post-rock is not just technically brilliant but deeply emotive and profoundly innovative. They embody the spirit of fearless sonic exploration that defines our label. ‘Talking’ is a testament to their exceptional talent and vision, and we believe it will be recognized as a landmark release within the experimental music landscape, further solidifying Baltimore’s reputation as a hotbed for cutting-edge sounds."
Industry Analysts (Inferred): Music critics and industry observers are expected to laud Talking for its intricate musicianship and innovative genre fusion. The album is likely to be praised for its daring compositions, the band’s tight yet fluid interplay, and its ability to create immersive sonic experiences. Reviewers will likely focus on the specific interplay of instruments, particularly the dynamic shifts and the expressive qualities of the saxophone, bass, and keyboards. The album’s thematic depth, inferred from titles like "Toppled Column" and "Ricemeat," might also invite critical interpretation regarding societal observations or abstract narratives.
Broader Impact and Implications
The release of Talking holds several significant implications for Crying Laughing, Hausu Mountain, and the broader experimental music scene.
For Crying Laughing: This album, released on a prominent experimental label, is set to significantly elevate their profile. It could lead to increased touring opportunities, collaborations with other notable artists, and a wider critical recognition beyond their existing fan base. A successful album on Hausu Mountain often serves as a springboard for artists to reach international audiences who actively seek out cutting-edge sounds. This release could solidify their position as leaders in the jazz-post-rock crossover genre, influencing future acts.
For Hausu Mountain: Talking reinforces Hausu Mountain’s reputation as a tastemaker and an essential incubator for innovative music. Each successful release adds to their credibility and appeal, attracting more talented artists and a larger audience of discerning listeners. In an era dominated by major labels and commercial algorithms, independent labels like Hausu Mountain play a crucial role in preserving artistic diversity and fostering creativity that might not fit neatly into mainstream categories. Their continued success demonstrates the viability of a niche market built on quality and artistic integrity.
For the Experimental Music Scene: The album contributes to the ongoing evolution and diversification of experimental music. By blending jazz and post-rock, Crying Laughing pushes the boundaries of both genres, inspiring other musicians to explore similar fusions or to break new ground in their own creative endeavors. Such releases are vital for keeping the experimental music landscape vibrant and dynamic, demonstrating that there are always new sonic territories to explore. It also highlights the strength of regional scenes, like Baltimore’s, in producing world-class experimental talent.
Market Context: In an increasingly digital music landscape, the decision to release physical media (often a hallmark of Hausu Mountain) for Talking speaks to a commitment to the tangible experience of music. While streaming dominates consumption, niche genres and independent labels often find strong support from fans who value high-quality physical releases, contributing to a segment of the market that prioritizes artistry and collectibility. According to recent industry reports, while overall physical music sales remain a smaller portion of the market compared to streaming, vinyl sales have seen consistent growth for over a decade, indicating a dedicated audience for physical artifacts, especially within genres like experimental music where sonic fidelity and album artwork are highly valued.
As September 10th approaches, anticipation continues to build for Crying Laughing’s Talking. With its intricate blend of jazz and post-rock, championed by a label renowned for its avant-garde vision, the album promises to be a compelling addition to the experimental music canon and a significant marker in the ongoing evolution of contemporary instrumental music. The pre-order link is available here.
