[laughs] by KALI MASI

If there’s one word that can describe [laughs], Kali Masi’s second full-length album, it’s deliverance. On their new record, the Chicago-based indie punk outfit strives to break out of their personal chains to forge a path we all search for. The album is a collection of ambitious songs, musically and lyrically, centering around the universal truth that the power and courage to be who we are is and always has been inside of ourselves — rather than in the arms and minds of those around us.

Singer and guitarist Sam Porter shares the earnest narrative of feeling out of place both in your hometown and your own skin, and exploring that alienation as we strive for growth. The wailing guitars and powerful drums complement the urgent calls for clarity and understanding, noting the crushing emptiness of loss contrasted by the bittersweet reminiscence of youth.

Kali Masi have never been a band to hold anything back, and the four-piece stays true to this promise on the new LP. From start to finish, [laughs] is cutting, crucial and honest, with poetic recollections and curses of the past juxtaposed by contemplative acceptance of self in the present. On the new record, the band explores and dissects elements of strained friendships that often go unspoken, sometimes to the point of abandonment beyond repair.

Recording once again with hardcore icon Jay Maas, co-founder of Defeater, Kali Masi crafted another masterful balance of urgency, tension and alluring instrumental harmony. The seconds between tracks will leave you guessing whether to rest or revel, and no matter which you get, you’re always taken by pleasant surprise.

The 10 new songs are for feeling lonely in a room full of familiar faces, as well as for restless nights in the throes of transition and growth. No matter where you are in life, Kali Masi is here with an explosive passion for finding who we are — and celebrating it. Take these songs with you as you cut yourself loose of the snares that once made you feel like a prisoner. With [laughs] crashing through your ears, you will be free.

Tracklist

1.	Still Life	5:39

2.	Paint Me Jade	2:33

3.	Hurts To Laugh	5:16

4.	Guilt Like A Gun	3:47

5.	Short Term	0:28

6.	Long Term	4:30

7.	Freer	2:57

8.	Trophy Deer	2:52

9.	Recurring (I)	4:54

10.	The Stray	3:32

Credits

released March 26, 2021

Kali Masi is Anthony Elliott, John Garrison, Wes Moore and Sam Porter

All songs written and performed by Kali Masi.
Piano on ”Short Term” played by Matt Romy.
Recorded, Engineered, Produced and Mixed by Jay Maas in Haverhill, MA in February–March 2020.
Assistant Engineering (and emotional reinforcement) by Dave Alcan.
Mastered by Mike Kalajian at Rogue Planet Mastering
Album Cover photo by Chris Bauer
© KALI MASI 2021 ℗ Take This To Heart Records 2021

Special thanks to our families and friends– Chris Bauer, Joe Deluca, Ryan Grillaert, Kevin McDonald, Ryan Donovan and the Red City Radio crew, James Hull, Matt Barker, Sky McElroy, Less Than Jake, Typesetter, Signals Midwest, Such Gold, Western Settings, Decent Criminal, Vanessa Valadez & Andy Klingensmith at Empty Bliss, Joe Urban, Austin Lucas, Raine Mara, Tim Browne, Mat Alano-Martin, the cooks and crew at Good Measure, Downright Merch, Ratio Beerworks, Audiotree, Seamus Menihane, and The Maas Family.

In loving memory of Mike Scott.

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