Audacity Of Ardency.

Elizabeth Harper describes her own music as a guilty pleasure. Nothing more than dance music. And if we were to take into account the NSA, we should forget about any heart into the music when we listen to the debut EP of Class Actress, Journal Of Ardency (well, at least not to the extend of James Murphy’s music, for instance).

But miss Harper’s voice is so ethereal and warm, not cold and detached like her 80s influences would suggest, and so the music feels organic no matter how poignant the synths are. And while clearly is takes from 80s new wave bands (yes, the likes of New Order, Depeche Mode and Human League), her music borrows from different bands.

Opening track Careful What You Say starts off with a scratchy synth that could be Crystal Castles. Title song begins as a The Knife creation, but Harper’s voice makes it sound like Into A Swan-era Siouxsie Sioux. And because one must mention, if only briefly, Robert Smith after Siouxsie, Let Me Take You Out feels incredibly Cure-ish while the words and vocals seem to be delivered by Morrissey’s female version.

Adolescent Heart is a trip into Royskopp’s world but takes bits from 80s guitar pop, whileSomeone Real’s cold beats clash with the line “I just need someone real” and make it feel very Junior Boys. The EP ends with what could be a tribute to Depeche Mode’s I Just Can’t Get Enough, All The Saints: quirky synths all over the place. And, sure, Elizabeth Harper claims to make JUST dance music, but her ability to show empathy and soul transcends this idea and make her fit into Hot Chip’s category.