The Middle Class signed a recording contract with Los Angeles based record label, V A V V Records, and they recently released their debut album, "Deep in Debt." Seven years of giggin’ around town (Los Angeles) allowed the boys to tighten their old fashioned Folksy/Bluesy/Americana sound, and more importantly, find a studio where they knew their sound would be embraced and able to grow. The second the band walked into V A V V , the boys knew they were “home.”
Focused on original material, The Middle Class explores all forms of “Traditional Music.” Tight vocal sounds are often complemented by a washboard, a suit case, a mandolin, a trumpet, or slide guitar or harmonica. The boys want to create that “back porch” kinda feel, where an intimate, sugar-sweet ballad can easily give way to a floorboard stompin’ sing-a-long.
ALBUM REVIEW:
Some call it Old-Timey, New-Grass, Jam-Grass, Rootsy, Pre-WWII, Folk or hell, some label junkies may even dream up a title like Appalachian Dumpsta-Funk (not bad actually, can’t it be as useful as “Alt-Country”?) The fact is, in the last few years we have witnessed an Ellis Island-style rush of young, unique, and quality hard-to-define acts added to the rosters of summer festivals around the globe. From The Avett Brothers to Old Crow to Uncle Earl to the Hackensaw Boys to Cadillac Sky and to the various Nickel Creek “hiatus” projects, these bands shine a light on the fast pounding pulse of American music and represent a vanguard the likes of which we may never see again in one such glorious grouping.
Add to the aforementioned group of emerging talents, THE MIDDLE CLASS. Their record, "Deep in Debt" (VAVV Records) announces in a groovy, eclectic, west coast-style manner that we should expect to see them soon on future Telluride and Merlefest stages. Coming from LA, the laid back vibes of certain tracks such as “Thinkin’ of You” and “Rock-a-Bye” are not only appropriate but refreshing in their change of pace from many of their counterparts fast, finger-pickin’ fetishes. Many latter-day acoustic based bands feel compelled to pummel the listener into submission with their fingers-of-fury style pickin’, but no worries, there isn’t any pressure here to knee-slap your hands any quicker than you so desire. Of course, I wouldn’t want the entire disc to be as laid back as a stoned surfer after a basket of fish tacos. Thankfully, the opening track, “All I Want is You” bounces in and boasts the rough-hewn vocals of Matt Doherty and Clem Jeffreys’ harmonica licks that only sound right when done from a front-porch.
Adding to the disc’s cornucopia is the 70’s style funk track “Guantanamo Bay”. The horns and disco guitar make it sound as if it would be a great cut to roll during the closing credits to a CHIP’s episode (’ya know, the ones where they freeze-frame Panch & John laughing at how easy the crime was solved while riding motorbikes…). In this day and age of debate over what is “Roots”, “Americana” and even “Bluegrass”, I see The Middle Class’ use of percussion, horns and electric instruments as a welcome addition to the collection of sounds that make up American Music.
posted by Kelly Dearmore in Twangville.com and Gobblersknob.com
Thank you so very much! You guys were amazing and I definitely want you to come back. Your vibe was the perfect way to start the night. You're the new soundtrack of my happy life! Ha
As are you!!! I'm really looking forward to having you play. It will bring such a cool vibe to an already groovy night. See you all on stage very soon!
there is gonna be some serious ass kicking on the first and second of next month clem. mayhem! cats dont even know. their fault. we'll make sure to tell em.
Our Pleasure, "boys" ! ! Hope you guys and all your many fans, friends and families get a chance to check out our Top Friend ... JON WOLFE ! ! AMAZING TALENT, TERRIFIC SONGWRITER and GREAT GUY ! ! George and Lynne
HI thnx for the friendship and it’s nice to know you! Think it’s nice to be connected with musicians all over the world. In music we are all alike and speak the same language!!! I think you have very nice music, I enjoyed listening to it…… really sounds GREAT ….love it !! Greets from “D E E Z E L” (Belgium) and lots of luck in every thing you do!! If you can find the time check out my music too (thnx)
Thanks! You guys were great that night as well. Hadn't seen you in awhile, and Tati and I were really impressed! Is your album done yet? I like what I hear on here, and I'm looking forward to more...
Awesome set tonight, guys! You kicked ass! Glad I was able to be there and be a part of all the magic. Let me know if there's ever anything I can do to help out again.
I hope the show went well!! Sat. was the first time we listened to your music and I have to say, we were very impressed!! Hope to see you the 28th!! We are closing escrow that day so it may get a little tricky with moving and all, but we are going to try! See ya Ben.
