Lazy Recordings by Labs: A Rock Odyssey That’s Anything But Lazy
Let’s cut to the chase—Labs’ Lazy Recordings isn’t your run-of-the-mill rock album. Released in 2013 under Rita Records (shoutout to whoever named it—love the vibe), this experimental gem from the US feels like a fever dream you don’t wanna wake up from. It’s messy, unpredictable, and kinda brilliant. If you’re into music that makes you go “huh?” before hitting repeat, this one’s for you.
Now, I could ramble about all nine tracks, but let’s zoom in on two standouts: Whale Song and Midnight at Proctor Valley. Why these? Because they stick to your brain like gum on a hot sidewalk.
First up, Whale Song. Yeah, you read that right. No, there aren’t actual whales singing here (bummer, I know). Instead, it’s this hypnotic swirl of guitar riffs and atmospheric whooshes that sound like what I imagine deep-sea existential crises feel like. The track builds slow, almost teasing you, until BAM—it explodes into this chaotic crescendo that leaves you breathless. Honestly, I’ve listened to it five times in a row while pretending to work, and my cat gave me major side-eye because she thought I was losing it.
Then there’s Midnight at Proctor Valley. This one feels like sneaking out as a teenager and realizing you’re way too scared to actually do anything fun. It starts with this eerie calm—soft keys and distant echoes—and then morphs into something heavier, grittier. It’s moody without being melodramatic, which is a fine line to walk. I kept picturing myself wandering through an abandoned carnival at night, except instead of clowns, there are just creepy mannequins staring at me. Or maybe that’s just my anxiety talking. Either way, it’s hauntingly good.
The rest of the album—Magmom, Haze, Rushed, etc.—keeps the energy alive, though nothing quite hits the same way those two tracks do. Walking Home From School sounds exactly how it should: nostalgic but kinda off-kilter, like remembering a childhood memory through a cracked lens. Clockradio? Feels like waking up groggy and confused, which honestly might be the most relatable thing ever put to music.
Here’s the kicker, though: Lazy Recordings doesn’t try too hard to impress you, and that’s its secret weapon. It’s raw, unpolished, and full of weird little quirks that make it human. In a world where everything’s auto-tuned to oblivion, Labs reminds us that imperfection can still be art.
So, if you’re looking for an album that’ll challenge your ears and maybe even your sanity, give Lazy Recordings a spin. Just don’t blame me if Whale Song makes you start talking to marine biologists. Oh, and fun fact: Labs probably has the best excuse for calling their album “lazy” since half the songs sound like they were recorded in someone’s garage during a power outage. And honestly? That’s kind of beautiful.
