Class 36 - Clearly an EP

Class 36

Clearly an EP
self-released; 2014

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Hailing from Grove City, Pennsylvania, Class 36 is an indie rock band that recently their debut EP titled Clearly an EP. There is something about this band that is just pretty darn likeable. Maybe it’s the somewhat adorable picture of them playing together on their Bandcamp page or the fact that describe themselves as a bunch of kids from Grove City, PA who love to make music together. It’s probably both those things combined with the fact that when you listen to the music they play the music is coming from an honest place.

Their five-song EP is enjoyable but it also displays a young band with talent that isn’t really sure what direction they are going in. The themes and general fluidity is a bit scattered but some of the songs are well done. The first song “Clearly” was the highlight of the EP and also felt to me like the most natural song for the band. It’s a bit silly, fun and upbeat. The song starts off with a silly conversation about “extra cheese.” Funny stuff. It doesn't take too long for bright guitars, trombone and bass to create an upbeat energy that continues throughout the whole song. The song just gets better as it progresses and is a great song to put on that will naturally increase your serotonin levels. 

I was hoping they would continue with that vibe as it fit them so well but they don’t. The next song “Virginia” has its roots in pop/mall punk. It is not a bad song but it felt like such a swing in energy from the first track.

“Alright” is quite melancholy and is another deviation. It’s a minimal song that could be compared to something from Neutral Milk Hotel. Even the lyrics are quite depressing. The vocalist sings, “It's the song of the hopeless The night breaths of the restless Tossing and turning, they're yearning Yearning for rest at long last” as well as “Will it be alright When we turn 'round the bend Will we rest our heads.”

The bottom line is that Class 36 needs to think about what direction they want to move forward. Personally I felt like the first song “Clearly” was clearly their best song and also the most natural. Clearly an EP has a bit of a personality disorder but it is worth checking out.

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