Class Actress

As much as I often loathe Pitchfork's reviews, they are a great source for music news and the discovery of new artists. I give them full credit for exposing me to the dazzling 80's tones of Class Actress outta Brooklyn!

With no releases to their name (yet, but soon), this band is already showing why 2010 is such a great year. Formerly the solo project of Elizabeth Harper, she has allowed a couple chaps in to make a full band. The music here is total new wave 80's synth, but lacking in the cheese department. It's a very sleek sound. Elizabeth's gorgeous voice blends perfectly with the music and she's a master of the pop hook. "Let Me Take You Out" is the surefire pop hit, which has a very catchy bass line and is just all around fun. "Journal or Ardency" is a slow-synth-burner and oh so hot. Even the 7 1/2 minute "Someone Real" which closes out the EP is completely engrossing from start to finish, building into a wave of synth frenzy by the end.

Here's the simple little video for the great "Let Me Take You Out":



And for your sampling pleasure:



"Journal of Ardency" will be the group's first release and it's being delivered on 10" vinyl in February from Terrible Records.

Elizabeth also has a pretty decent self-titled solo album out from 2005. It's much more singer-songwritery but her voice is still fantastic. If you're interested, you can check out her personal website.