Some bands take several years to find themselves and their style. Other bands, however, form and immediately start playing as if they have always played together. Within a very short time, their first releases come out. One of these bands is IDLE CLASS from Münster.
They were founded in 2011, and by 2012 they were already ready to unleash an EP on the world. An EP that has a lot to offer.
On the EP, the band presents five songs plus an intro that clearly have their roots in fast, melodic punk rock. One is reminded of skate punk and melody punk.
One recalls all the bands that existed and still exist, that are young and energetically blast their songs through the speakers in no time. Many bands started this way, and so does IDLE CLASS.
After the intro, “Set Phrases on Repeat” kicks off in a way that immediately brings those memories to the forefront. Fast blasting, a mid-tempo section, along with a few breaks to slow down and vary the pace, fitting vocals, appropriate choruses, and a slight fade-out at the end — that’s the punk rock song. It’s nothing new, but it sounds fresh and is definitely fun.
With “Hillview,” it continues in the same vein, although here the vocals clearly struggle to keep up with the instrumental section. Additionally, the vocals come across as rough, almost hoarse, as if the song was recorded last in the studio and there was already hoarseness present. One could also express it more kindly by saying that the vocals want to lean towards the emo side. Be that as it may, the clean parts definitely sound better. Overall, the vocals are best when the music gives them space, and they are not forced out in a strained manner or frantically following the music.
IDLE CLASS brings a solid EP to the market with “Stumbling Home,” which is a significant release. One could also call it post-skatecore or something similar, or simply good punk rock sound in a contemporary guise without commercial obligations.
It’s fun to listen to the guys from Münster, and I think it will also be a great experience live when the band is on stage.
