This trio offers earnest bellows and guitar surges that are pure modern rock, but Classic Case avoids overheating in the manner of some such bands. Thank the loose, organic drums and Jared Draughton's sweet tenor. Each brings a welcome rootsiness to the sound.
Classic Case keep on keeping on. This four-year-old band, whose members are from North Carolina and New York City, is a study in perseverance and continuing to rock, despite surrounding circumstances. Even with its dark, tongue-in-cheek title and its stormy, moody undertones, the chunky, guitar-driven Losing At Life represents a new opportunity for a band that just wants to be heard. And after all, the best, most honest art is always born from darkness, frustration, and struggle, things Classic Case are familiar with. Classic Case started out as a quartet, but added a second guitar to their lineup to thicken their sound. The band formed in Brooklyn, when vocalist Jared Draughon moved to the borough, eventually hooking up with drummer Durijah Lang (who originally sat behind the kit for Glassjaw) and bassist Eric Mendelson, and self-recording the EP, It’s Been Business Doing Pleasure With You. (more on fearlessrecords.com)