Laughing Cats have clawed their way into the spotlight with their latest single, “Jerk,” a delightful mix of pop-rock nostalgia and contemporary edge. If you’ve ever stared in the mirror and had a reckoning with your less-than-charming moments, this track feels like a cheeky soundtrack for that self-reflective montage—but one you can also dance to.
Fronted by the dynamic duo of singer-songwriter Lauren Schiff and musician extraordinaire Tony Fredianelli, “Jerk” is the kind of song that grabs you by the collar, spins you around, and makes you hum the melody for hours after. The second release from their debut album, Funny Money, the track doesn’t just tease—it straight-up flaunts the band’s knack for fusing yesterday’s vibes with today’s soundscapes.
Picture this: you’re cruising in a car with a cassette of The Velvet Underground on one side and The Troggs on the other, and suddenly your phone rings—because “Jerk” is playing on your modern Spotify playlist. That’s the magic Laughing Cats brings to the table. While you can hear echoes of 60s rock’s earnest soul and 80s new wave’s synthy boldness, this isn’t just a nostalgia trip. Tony’s intricate guitar riffs, laced with an almost cinematic flair, combined with Lauren’s earnest yet commanding vocals, ensure the song isn’t living in the past—it’s living its best life in the present.
The genius of “Jerk” lies in its lyrics. Lauren Schiff takes us on a journey of personal growth with the sharpness of a good breakup song but none of the bitterness. Instead, it’s about recognizing that the “jerk” in the story isn’t someone else—it’s you, me, or maybe your best friend who finally realized they needed to grow up a bit. Lauren’s original concept had a male perspective (imagine Matt Shultz of Cage the Elephant crooning this—it tracks), but the final product’s universal appeal makes it a mirror we all have to look into.
Despite the introspective theme, the song brims with energy. It’s almost sneaky how a song about grappling with one’s flaws can feel so uplifting. Credit Tony Fredianelli for that sparkling guitar work, which oscillates between jangly joy and reflective depth. The rhythm drives forward with an effervescence that practically forces you to tap your feet. Lauren’s vocal delivery strikes that perfect balance of playful and poignant, making you feel the catharsis without ever getting too heavy
“Jerk” is the appetizer to, Funny Money, Laughing Cats’ much-anticipated debut album, which promises to be a feast of pop, rock, and new wave delights. With 11 tracks designed to tug at your heartstrings while making your head bop, the album is shaping up to be a masterclass in bridging generational gaps in music taste.
If “Jerk” is any indication, Funny Money, isn’t just going to be an album—it’s going to be a party. A party where The Kinks, Blondie, and Cage the Elephant would all happily jam together.
“Jerk” is a fresh reminder that music doesn’t have to choose between being smart and fun—it can be both. Laughing Cats manages to pay homage to the past while kicking open the doors to a new pop-rock future. This is one cat you won’t mind crossing your path.
If you haven’t hit play on “Jerk” yet, do yourself a favour. It’s a track that proves Laughing Cats aren’t here to mess around—they’re here to stay.
