A Classic Education
Call It Blazing

THE REVIEW

Born from the ashes of the Bolognese post-hardcore group Settlefish, A Classic Education, after releasing two EPs, unveiled in 2011 their so-called first full-length effort titled "Call It Blazing".

The 50 seconds of the first track "Work It Out" introduce the listener to the first true song on the album "Baby, It's Fine", skillfully combining an almost new wave rhythmic section with garage rock guitars. The organ in "Grave Bird" evokes the dark atmospheres suggested by the title, while "Gone To Sea" moves towards more carefree and rarefied melodies halfway between surf-pop and the shoegaze of Galaxie 500. The international sound of the album is primarily due to the analog tape recording done in New York by Jarvis Taneviere (who previously worked with Dum Dum Girls and Real Estate), which bestows the record with a vintage and sixties sound, optimally rendered. Added to this is the typical English pronunciation of frontman Jonathan Clancy, complemented by lyrics full of captivating ideas, partly inspired by Danny Lyon's photographic book "The Bikeriders" (from which the cover is also taken). The triptych "Can You Feel The Backwash", "Terrible Day", and "I Lost Time" represents the artistic pinnacle of the collection. The first song evokes (musically) the biker gang engaged in escapades on two-wheeled beasts; the second has dark-wave recalls and more intimate sounds; finally, "I Lost Time" is undoubtedly the most harmonious track on "Call It Blazing" with a catchy chorus.

A Classic Education has crafted an inspired, fresh album with a strong pop sensibility but also with new wave and dreamy resonances, and most importantly, international characteristics.