Jeffrey Innes is best known for being frontman to rockers Yukon Blonde, but with the release of his new project High Ends, that may be about to change
Superclass is a fully realized album full of electronically driven production, new wave hooks and laid back rhythms, made with the helping hands of producer Colin Stewart, Ladyhawk’s Darcy Hancock, Kathryn Calder, Jeffrey Mitchelmore of Gold & Youth and more.
Opener “Downtown” starts with a pulsing beat and metallic synth hook, complimented by introspective lyrics (just a second while I fix my whole life), delivered with a Jarvis Cocker-esque mellow swagger. The song opens up to a psychedelic sunburst of guitar, arguably one of 2014’s greatest musical moments.
“The Weight” is a harmony fuelled revelation, more Bowie than The Band, whereas tracks like “River Cruise” and “Feel Sleep Aliens” venture into the land of experimental ambiance and, dare I say, EDM.
“Working Man’s Blues” is the final opus. Girl group backup vocals, anthemic rock instrumentation and blue collar sentiment create one of the albums highlights.
Side projects can often sound like a confused teenager, but Superclass triumphs as a fully formed adult. Your older, cooler brother with wisdom, swagger and of course, superclass.
Rating: ★★★★★
