This upbeat release from Hips combines a bouncy melody line which flows from a bright synth, with a barrage of major chords and staccato percussion. Normally, musicians hide their identity to bring out a level of aggression, anger or controversy. Hips turns this expectation on its head, making ‘Laugh’ a shamelessly happy jaunt, with the singer’s soulful lead vocal complimenting R&B-influenced keyboards. It isn’t a bland excuse to make a cheesy pop tune either, as interesting production effects are used beneficially, including the artistic autotune that brings the piece to an end. -Dan Peeke