Recording Review: Who Laughs Last by Lord Huron (ft. Kristen Stewart)

Posted on by Vinny Filippelli

Lord Huron and Kristen Stewart get the last laugh in their newest collaboration.

The LA-based band Lord Huron has been captivating listeners with their distinct blend of folk, rock, and atmospheric soundscapes since the early 2010s, establishing themselves as one of  the most innovative groups in their genre. After years of silence, “Who Laughs Last” was released on January 24, 2025. With this single, they’ve made an exciting and unexpected leap, collaborating with actress Kristen Stewart on her music debut. The track showcases a bold new direction for both Stewart and the band. 

Rather than singing, Stewart takes on a unique approach, delivering a deeply compelling spoken-word performance throughout the song. Her monologue takes on an ambient tone, drawing attention to the music and adding an entirely different texture to the track. Stewart’s segments are contrasted with the dynamic, high-energy vocals of lead singer Ben Schneider. The interplay between her effective delivery and his soaring voice creates an engaging, layered listening experience. 

One of the best moments of the track arrives in the chorus, as Schneider sings, 

Now that I’ve left that place I feel like someone for the first time in my life,

You don’t remember what I said, but you’ll remember what I did.

This line highlights the song’s narrative of adventure, escape, and self-discovery.

The instrumentals feature a fast-tempo surf guitar with a clean sound and heavy reverb, creating an energetic and dynamic atmosphere. The guitar is complemented by the distorted bass, which adds a punchy, commanding presence to the track. The bass itself is rich in harmonics, delivering a buzzy texture that both contrasts and enhances the other elements, providing a deeper layer to the sound.

As the song progresses, the pace picks up during the chorus, with a burst of energy that intensifies the momentum and drives the rhythm forward, making the track feel even more urgent and engaging. This shift in pace mirrors the narrative within the song, blending moments of personal contemplation with an exciting sense of forward drive. The result is a song that not only captures a sense of introspection but also radiates an infectious energy. 

Ultimately, “Who Laughs Last” stands out as a bold and thrilling addition to Lord Huron’s catalog, showcasing that its the band and Stewart who share the last laugh.

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Published by Vinny Filippelli

Vinny Filippelli is a first generation Italian-American and a third-year student at Oberlin College, hailing from Cleveland, Ohio. He is majoring in psychology with a concentration in journalism, a combination driven by his passion for helping athletes navigate their mental challenges. Having been immersed in sports for much of his life, he has witnessed firsthand the toll they can take—not only on the body, but the mind. Vinny aims to share the stories of athletes who have overcome struggles, hoping their experiences will inspire others to keep fighting. Looking to further his writing skills, Vinny enrolled in a music criticism class- where he discovered enjoyment in writing about music. Outside of his academic pursuits, Vinny is a laid-back individual who enjoys life’s simple pleasures, like spending time with friends and family and taking leisurely walks.

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