Laptop – Confused
Laptop, formed in the late 1990s, established a reputation for their stylised mix of synth-pop, cynicism, and elegant independence, releasing three albums on Island Records and receiving recognition from NME, The Guardian, and other notable publications. The band has re-emerged as a multi-generational group, bringing together founding member Jesse Hartman and his son Charlie Hartman, offering the project stability and a fresh viewpoint. “Confused” shows this evolution by integrating Laptop’s famous aesthetic with a sharper, stronger philosophical core. The inspiration for the track is very disturbing. According to Jesse Hartman, the song was inspired by the horror of seeing the events of January 6 unfold on television, which was made much more upsetting because the band was in Washington, D.C. Just two days before, they had accidentally stayed in the same hotel where important insurrectionists were gathered. His depiction of the city as “off,” strangely quiet, and filled by bizarre figures brings up a surreal atmosphere typical of a 1970s Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The feeling of increasing unreality surrounds the song, influencing both its mood and the fundamental suspense. Musically, “Confused” opens with mesmerising art-pop sounds that mirror Bryan Ferry’s smooth elegance and Talking Heads’ intellectual rhythm. The song is driven by powerful melodic lines and engaging vocal performances, with Marlena “Lulu” Hartman providing expressive lead vocals and synth work that reinforce the track’s dramatic tone. Geddys “Ch4se” Ferguson adds layered vocal backing, deepening the harmonies and introducing a soft, dance-ready groove that drives the song forward. The rhythm is definitely catchy, making it ideal for the dancefloor, and its hypnotic pulse lends itself nicely to electro-oriented remixes. As the song develops, jazzy piano elements and bluesy influences appear near the end, adding depth and warmth to the otherwise polished art-pop structure. These elements expand the song’s dramatic dimension, preventing it from falling into a single musical lane. The production, handled by Ray Aldaco, Nicholas Vernhes, Edward Douglas, and Jesse Hartman, is remarkable for its smooth movement across genres, mixing the tenderness of a ballad with the fast pace of a groove-driven song. “Confused” is uplifting and alarming, a perfect artistic reaction to a period of social uncertainty.
photo by Thomas Krause
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