Sharp Class - Welcome To The Matinee Show (Of The End Of The World)

 

Another Power Trio, but this time from the UK and in very different territory to The Deflators. Nottingham's Sharp Class are much more UK New Wave 1978, magnificently so. This album reminds me why I loved that New Wave scene.

They are not stuck in that era, there are big footsteps into the likes of Brit Pop, Indie Rock and the modern breed of Indie Guitar Pop bands, but the melody content is high and there is a real lyrical adeptness in these songs that few who cover similar ground manage.

There is a real Paul Weller Jam period to the words and at times the vocal, although less aggressive singing wise. Musically, they remind me a lot of The Len Price 3, but without their inclination for Mod Pop. We loved 2022's Teenage Of A Mind (review here) and this moves things on wonderfully.

The title track is probably the best thing here, New Wave of the highest order. Ordinary People is built on a killer riff, Where I'd Rather Be has a hint of Wreckless Eric, but the chorus is killer. Ivory Tower is very early The Jam with an added Jangling Riff.

Lights Out wipes the floor with most of the current new big wave of Guitar bands with another killer chorus. The whole offering rarely comes up for air, but does it without the need of a hammer. Sharp Class update the great past, bringing it into the now. Top Notch!

You can listen to and buy the album here. The CD can be ordered via the band's website here. The Vinyl can be ordered here.

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