J Laser is the musical solo project from Jordan Lawlor, who previously joined M83 playing as a multi-instrumentalist on their Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming tour and contributing to their album Junk.
Lawlor is now working on music under his own moniker, but in collaboration with regular creative partners Jamie Lawlor (drums) and Laura Murphy (bass). The music of J Laser is more overtly kaleidoscopic than that of M83, blending musical inspiration across the decades in a way that will be familiar to fans of Tame Impala. The result is crisp, modern and yet dreamlike, appearing like a reflection of a reflection or a memory of a memory. The drums punch with a clarity that would have faded on a decades old record, and yet there is a timelessness to the melody and overall sound here.
Sunshine is the second single from J Laser, following on from his debut Waves & Blades, and the first of ten singles to appear spanning two EPs in 2020. I love the meandering melancholy of this song, particularly in the bridge where it feels like Lawlor and his collaborators become unshackled, playing for themselves. The resulting music is bold, distinctive and intimate. I can’t wait to hear what else Lawlor has in store for us this year.