REVIEW: “Laugh” by Nodes

Nodes has been the focal point of several Polyvox features, and for good reason. The collective released their latest record, Laugh, and I cannot praise their musical prowess enough. Nodes is a revolving door of artists coming together for the common purpose of making incredible music, and their lineup changes from show to show. You truly never know what you are in for at one of their shows, but regardless, you’ll be blown away.

The record features seventeen (yes, 17) artists on instruments ranging from typical guitar, drums, and bass, to marimba, banjo, flute, clarinet, cello, and many others, layered and interleaved to create a psychedelic, noisy masterpiece that made me second-guess my sobriety. The nearly hour-long record is best enjoyed in a dark room, eyes closed, with good headphones or a stereo system. I was lucky enough to be invited to a private listening party at the Nodes house as my first listen, and the experience left me dumbfounded and overwhelmed by the ability of their production. Creating such a rich and intricate sound requires immense talent, and it’s clear that Nodes’ talent has overflowed into this album.

The record incorporates ambient recordings from several locations–street corners, parking garages, and other unconventional spaces. These recordings are layered and built upon in an oscillating, dynamic manner that waxes and wanes throughout the album. The musicianship and mixing on “Laugh” highlight the talent behind the project that dedicated countless hours to put this masterpiece together.

I lay on the floor, eyes closed, letting the music take me where it wants. I’m enveloped in a warm, droning, almost playful sound at points, that takes me back to my childhood bedroom. It’s 7:00 am on a cold autumn morning. The sun has just begun peering over the horizon, illuminating the grass, peppered with frost, the air crisp and heavy, yet invigorating. The window is open just enough to let the balmy breeze caress your hands. You crouch down, sharply breathing in air through your nostrils, exhaling as the warmth from your breath crystallizes on contact with the exchanging air currents. The geometry of the ice on your window catches the sun, just as your eyes dart in its direction, it’s gone, fleeting, yet it dances between your eyes. You are invincible, but at the same time, vulnerable, meek, and in awe at the fact you are present in this very moment–a one-in-a-trillion coincidence to exist in this exact situation. This is what “Laugh” feels like to me. I implore you to tune into this record with an open mind, and ideally, closed eyes. Let the music carry you around the sonic sea presented by Nodes in this incredible work of art.