Laughing Cat's new single, "Jerk." The indie-rock duo Lauren Schiff and former Third Eye Blind guitarist Tony Fredianelli are no novices in engineering hits for both the head and the heart, and "Jerk" is no exception. Featured on their forthcoming release, Funny Money, "Jerk" is a razor-tongued but reflective anthem about personal progress built on a foundation of bare fury and catchy electricity.
Drawing on a true story of someone working toward being a better person, "Jerk" straddles the line between self-deprecation and self-discovery. Lauren's evocative vocals lend a biting edge to the lyrics, balancing sarcasm with sincerity, while Tony's guitar work gives "Jerk" a vintage rock swagger. Hints of Velvet Underground's grit and the rebellious spirit of '80s new wave surface, "Jerk" remains squarely in the here and now, forging an entirely new, modern sound.
What makes "Jerk" so engaging is how relatable it is. We've all looked in the mirror at one point and thought, "Wow, I could be better." That universal moment of self-questioning grounds this song, making it sink not just into your head but into your gut. What was once conceived of as a male-dominated number earns Lauren's genderless delivery, refracting "Jerk" into an anthem for all those on the messy road to becoming their better selves.
And as Funny Money approaches the horizon, "Jerk" is a bold statement: Laughing Cats aren't simply here to amuse. Either they're here to elicit thought, feeling, and a little bit of change, perhaps.