Love Like the "Movies"

Earlier this year, I tweeted my wishes for this year (as one does) - musically speaking, of course. Among my wishes were new Class Actress and Jamie Woon tracks. Both these artists put out albums at a very colorful period in my life that I became extremely attached to as time went on. And honestly, it's been several years since we've had an LP from either - so it's about time! 

Not too long ago, one of these wishes was granted. Enter Class Actress's new EP, "Movies." Six songs of pure synthpop bliss.

The return of my favorite oversexed songstress.

"Movies" is just around thirty minutes long, so it's not that much. But it's still something. And it intriguingly contains some world-class production, both in the guise of Neon Indian ("GFE") and disco legend Giorgio Moroder. You see, Elizabeth Harper and gang have signed a deal with Casablanca Records, which means we will have a new album by the end of 2016 (just hypothesizing here, but it seems fairly realistic).

This EP serves as a perfect appetite-whetter. If you're a synthpop enthusiast, you will have found your summer jams. Forget whatever the Top 40 machine is spewing out, this is a slice of delicate electronic heaven.

"More Than You" starts the album, and is by far and away the strongest track. It sounds a bit like a sequel to another Class Actress masterpiece, "Weekend," but it seems to be of a far lighter variation. It's hard to not get hooked on that song, and it is now damn near impossible for me to hear this track without thinking of the "Twin Peaks"-themed music video (which was pretty perfect, I have to say). 

"You've got me overthinking, New York city drinking, never wanted nothing like I want you," sings Harper, then the hushed whispers in the chorus, "Not enough hours in the night."

(Note: New York City drinking is a thing. The drinking culture there is craaaaaazy. I thought that was a clever quip.) 

"The Limit" comes next, except the 1980s vibes on that track are amplified. It actually wouldn't sound amiss on her first album, "Rapproacher." It's airy fun to listen to - Harper sounds like she's enjoying herself. Having a pool party any time soon? I highly recommend putting it on your playlist. 

Neon Indian-produced "GFE" is awesome, and that along with "More Than You" are the two strongest cuts on the album. His touch on the song is obvious, and not that Class Actress can't stand on their own, but it was a really choice addition to the EP.

The rest of the songs aren't quite in the same league of their counterparts. "High on Love" and "Love My Darkness," which don't feature the most inspired lyrics at times, can easily stand on their own. "Movies" highlights a somewhat more somber, resigned, wistful Class Actress, almost calling to mind Lana Del God. However, what works for one artist isn't always another artist's strong suit. Class Actress excels when they are playing to their innate appeal, which is strong synthpop imbued with raw sexuality.

All that aside, it's a painless and enjoyable romp through the 1980s by way of 2015. Class Actress sounds great from start to finish, even during their less polished moments. "Movies" serves as a promising trailer for things to come and as a welcome comeback for these undersung heroes of indie pop.