Love As Laughter

Formed in 1994 and originally based in Seattle, Washington, this indie rock band was conceived as a solo project by former Lync guitarist/vocalist Sam Jayne. The 1996 release The Greks Bring Gifts was a messy, four-track recording with few redeeming qualities. Former Lync bandmate Dave Schneider (drums) and Witchy Poo's Jessica Espeleta (guitar) joined Jayne on the 1998 follow-up, #1 USA, which eschewed the lo-fi ramblings of its predecessor for a full-on garage rock sound. The cracking Destination 2000 was the band's first album for Sub Pop Records, and was completed by a new line-up featuring Jayne, Brandon Angle (guitar/bass), Zeke Howard (drums), Ryan Davidson (bass), and Summer Mastous (keyboards). The album's classic rock stylings harkened back to late 60s era Rolling Stones and established Love As Laughter alongside the new wave of retro rock bands led by Detroit's the White Stripes. The equally entertaining Sea To Shining Sea followed in 2001, before Jayne put the band on hold and relocated to New York City to record a solo album. He reunited with Howard, Angle and new keyboard player Miguel Mendez to record another Love As Laughter album in 2005. Laughter's Fifth was another excellent outing that marked a surprising diversion into literate indie pop territory.