The Stan Laurels’ Maybe
The Stan Laurels are anything but your garden variety power pop band. A one-man studio unit consisting of John Lathrop (that’s it), The Stan Laurels have an offbeat sensibility and yet don’t lose sight of the fact that in power pop, it’s the hooks that matter.
The opening and title track, “Maybe”, is just such an example. It’s a philosophy lecture you can dance to. The gorgeous melody behind “Where I Want to Be” is pure gold, not to mention the most engaging lyrics I’ve heard in a while. Lathrop had me from the moment he declared “If you told me that love was in the air, I’d smile and push you down the stairs”.
Psyche-pop enthusiasts will absolutely love “Maximum Zen”. For me though, the song that really makes Maybe a special release is the final track. From the opening radio noise to the killer chorus, “Door #1” is everything we expect from a great power pop track. Lots of guitar. Pleasing harmonies. Then, rather strangely, it ends with an atmospheric fade-out. It’s one of the most interesting tracks of 2018 so far.
Consistent with Lathrop’s unorthodox set of rules (the first one being there are no rules), this should-be single is the last track on the album. If the objective is to leave us wanting more though, it succeeds big time.
It’s worth noting that Maybe is the soundtrack to the motion picture MAYBE SHOWER, which won Best Feature at the 2018 Portland Comedy Film Festival and Best Screenplay at the 2017 Austin Comedy Film Festival.
While The Stan Laurels’ Maybe will not be released until June 12, the songs “Maybe” and “Sanity” are available immediately for those who pre-order the album. Maybe is a winner. Get it.
Wow, good stuff! Reminds me a little of Telekinesis and Apples in Stereo. I dig it. Looking forward to hearing more and seeing the movie.
Erik – Thanks for your comment. Yes, me, too. A good soundtrack goes a long way toward a positive movie experience.
This is probably one of the coolest artists I’ve ever come across!