CLASS ACTRESS
Journal of Ardency
Class Actress have made pop and dance music with intelligence, and especially for those who normally may not enjoy it. For all the posturing, and the far-worse embarrassing imagery of the eighties, it’s refreshing to hear groups today echoing the better flavors from that decade. Brooklyn based Class Actress lands here, delivering Journal of Ardency, an EP that is fun, moody and eye-raising. It’s built around sensual singer Elizabeth Harper and synth music crafted from big-beat samples lifted from vinyl. Though the electro-pop heavy EP gives nods and winks to the likes of The Human League, New Order and Debbie Harry, Harper is less a pop songstress than one who accidentally comes off as one while singing sullen, sexy vocals both breathless and bated. She holds back for effect – tempting, not teasing. There’s keyboard rich songs (“Careful What You Say”, “Someone Real”) playing with squashed beats and ghostly vocals and “Let Me Take You Out”, a song that could easily be a U2 cover. Journal of Ardency is dance music for people who want to get down without having to get dirty. If Harper is aiming to be a diva then she’s the new kind, one that is less loathsome while still delivering the goods.
Journal of Ardency is out February 9 on Terrible Records and available digitally and on 10" vinyl.
Brian Tucker
Journal of Ardency
Class Actress have made pop and dance music with intelligence, and especially for those who normally may not enjoy it. For all the posturing, and the far-worse embarrassing imagery of the eighties, it’s refreshing to hear groups today echoing the better flavors from that decade. Brooklyn based Class Actress lands here, delivering Journal of Ardency, an EP that is fun, moody and eye-raising. It’s built around sensual singer Elizabeth Harper and synth music crafted from big-beat samples lifted from vinyl. Though the electro-pop heavy EP gives nods and winks to the likes of The Human League, New Order and Debbie Harry, Harper is less a pop songstress than one who accidentally comes off as one while singing sullen, sexy vocals both breathless and bated. She holds back for effect – tempting, not teasing. There’s keyboard rich songs (“Careful What You Say”, “Someone Real”) playing with squashed beats and ghostly vocals and “Let Me Take You Out”, a song that could easily be a U2 cover. Journal of Ardency is dance music for people who want to get down without having to get dirty. If Harper is aiming to be a diva then she’s the new kind, one that is less loathsome while still delivering the goods.
Journal of Ardency is out February 9 on Terrible Records and available digitally and on 10" vinyl.
Brian Tucker
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