Laugh Track is The National's second album in less than six months, showcasing a remarkable surge in creative vitality and collaborative synergy. Following the rejuvenated connections forged in their previous album, Frankenstein, Laugh Track serves as both a continuation of that newfound unity and a statement of a shifting creative focus.

Embracing a change in their creative dynamics, the group developed a large portion of this material during live performances over the year, recording them in casual sessions at Tucker Martine's Portland studio, Flora Recording & Playback. The album concludes with the nearly eight-minute song 'Smoke Detector', captured during a soundcheck in Vancouver in June, rounding out a collection that offers a balance of spontaneity and classic rock influences, making them a welcome pairing with the more introspective vibes of its predecessor.