Hailing from Boise in Idaho, Classtronaut is an exciting new synth pop outfit that’s already been winning over audiences with their blend of retro synths and modern pop-focused songwriting. Formed by Gus Curry, Brian Fortson, Andrew Craig and Casey Dudley, the group delivers a sound that’s at once nostalgic and innovative.
With just a short time in the spotlight, Classtronaut has quickly become a staple in the Northwest indie scene, sharing stages with acts like Petite Noir and Mystery Skulls and making their presence felt at the 2024 Treefort Music Festival. While their music is upbeat and invigorating, it stems from a place of profound personal struggle and resilience.
Founding member Brian Fortson has shared the heartbreaking backstory behind many of their songs, explaining that they were born during a time of immense personal pain. His son’s diagnosis with a rare genetic illness thrust him into a challenging period, where music became an essential outlet for escaping the surrounding pain. “I would email Gus new song ideas at all hours of the night,” Brian shares. These fragments of inspiration, written in hospital rooms and arranged in rare moments of respite, form the emotional foundation of Classtronaut’s music, making their infectious sound all the more poignant.
With their studio music, they first shared their sound in October last year with their debut singles “Can You Believe It” and “You Could Smile More,” as well as “Nothing Wrong.” Now they bring us their latest single titled “Chemical Reaction,” a song which continues this exploration of upbeat sonic escapism, taking listeners on a psychedelic-tinged pop adventure.
Brought in by the strike of drums, vibrant synth tones dance above the pulsing beat and grooving basslines to form a shimmering sound that settles down for an airy verse of elegant vocal leads and subtle instrumentation. Channelling the aesthetic of bands like Tame Impala, they craft an enchanting sound of kaleidoscopic synth-driven pop music that’s catchy and charming in equal measure.
Flowing with an array of bright synth textures and slick ebb and flow in the arrangement, all capped by stunning vocal performance, “Chemical Reaction” delivers a mellow energy and memorable songwriting that’s sure to connect with fans around the world. As they continue to share their delightful sonic vision and music instilled with meaningful context, Classtronaut are set to go from strength to strength as a must-watch band with a compelling sound.
Listen to Chemical Reaction below
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