Journal Of Ardencyby Class Actress

'Journal of Ardency', the debut EP by Class Actress, not only shows that this band has huge potential, but also that it has begun fulfilling it with a relative amount of ease. Sounding very old-school yet modern at the same time, Class Actress blends influences from bands like like New Order, the Cure, and especially Depeche Mode with more recent alternative dance music. Lyrically, the band leans toward the poetic poignancy of the Smiths. In fact, singer Elizabeth Harper sounds almost like a female Morrissey not just from her lyrics, but in how she sings them, too.

"Careful What You Say" has a very catchy chorus and a sublime vocal line at the end of the song featuring both male and female vocals. The title track is a moodier affair, yet it is in that atmosphere that it holds its appeal. "Let Me Take You Out" is the song that made me want to check this band out after hearing it in a Honda Civic commercial. It sounds a lot like New Order and remains the EP's highlight, in my opinion. "Adolescent Heart" begins with some of the most Smiths/Morrissey-esque lyrics that I've ever heard and is yet another winner. "Someone Real" is perhaps the EP's weakest song, but that's only because it just drags on a bit too long for my current taste.

Overall, Class Actress is one of the only alternative bands that I'm interested in which isn't twenty-plus years old. For those who are tired of today's "alternative" music trends and want something that sounds classic yet fresh in the realm of synth pop, 'Journal of Ardency' is highly recommended.