Class Actress, French Horn Rebellion provide perfect combo for AU club atmosphere

Electronica-dance music continues to reign supreme as the live music of choice in Alfred, NY as Class Actress and French Horn Rebellion provided a compelling one-two punch in the Knight Club Jan. 22.

Although the opening act took the stage an hour and fifteen minutes late, (rumor has it our Class Actress is a first rate diva and was “being difficult” as one SAB member put it) the energy the two synth-heavy bands kept the crowd alive from start to finish (just south of 1:00 am Saturday night.)

Class Actress, the new wave/dance-pop project of Brooklyn native Elizabeth Harper, is so unknown right now, they do not even have a wikipedia page. It’s like Fiest meets Blondie’s Debbie Harry in sound and attitude, a sound that features layered synthesizers and programmed drumbeats.

What makes Class Actress unique is her ability to interchange hauntingly beautiful melodies with groovy beats and enough noises to create a “wall of sound” feeling, yet an atmosphere that lets the melody and music breathe.

Harper provides a very interesting sound, which excels in the club setting but also makes for an intriguing listen in the studio.

Harper was joined in Alfred by an unnamed synthesizer player who really helped add a layer of complexity to Harper’s compelling melodies. The musicians through everyone for a loop when the synth player busted out an electric guitar on the disco influenced “Let Me Take You Out,” which Harper chose to close her set with. The change in sound style showcased Class Actress’s depth and range as an artist, not just a one-trick pony.

Class Actress features a complex layering that was hindered by the less than adequate sound system in the Knight Club. Harper’s vocals were often buried in the mix, which was a shame because her lyrics are more interesting and cutting than your typical “dance” artist.

French Horn Rebellion took the stage just after midnight and continued the theme of electronica in the Knight Club.

Brothers Robert and David Perlick-Molinari, raised in Milwaukee, now located in Brooklyn, use disco-beats and layers of synthesizers to set a mood of chaos, only to be restored by their charming hooks and catchy melodies.

I could definitely hear a Jeff Lynne influence in the songs, both in the layers of music and the melodic construction, however modern day comparisons to Apples in Stereo, of Montreal or MGMT may be more appropriate here. Incidentally, David Perlick-Molinari produced the MGMT single “Time to Pretend” which begs listeners to make the comparison in the first place.

In essence, French Horn Rebellion was fun. The audience picked up on the energy, the fact these guys are just enjoying what they are doing, which makes the sound that much more enjoyable. In an ironic twist, Robert occasionally busts out his prized french horn and embarks on some fantastic solos.

French Horn Rebellion uses an exciting and refreshing approach to create enjoyable sounds that force you to dance in response. The band is offering a free download of their new song “Brazilian Girl” from their upcoming debut album “The Infinite Music for French Horn Rebellion.”