New EP from Classtronaut

Coming out of Boise in Idaho, Classtronaut is a synth pop band whose retro synth tones and modern pop songwriting has been making an impact over the last year. Featuring the talents of Gus Curry, Brian Fortson, Andrew Craig and Casey Dudley, the group offers a sound that’s simultaneously nostalgic and forward-thinking. Yet beyond their infectious melodies and slick production lies a deeply personal story that informs their music with profound emotional impact.

Since their formation, Classtronaut has staked their claim as an exciting and must watch act, playing live alongside artists like Petite Noir and Mystery Skulls while earning a spot at the 2024 Treefort Music Festival. Their performances have gained significant praise and their music offers a playful energy, however, the origins of their songs tell a different story, one of struggling with pain and the power of creativity.

Founding member Brian Fortson’s personal journey is stitched into the fabric of the band’s musical output; when his son was diagnosed with a rare genetic illness, he faced an unimaginably challenging period. Music became his sanctuary, a way to channel his emotions and escape the weight of reality. “I would email Gus new song ideas at all hours of the night,” he recalls, describing how the songs that now shine so brightly were born in the quiet, somber corners of hospital rooms. These sonic ideas, arranged during moments of respite amid the beeping of medical monitors and alarms would inform Classtronaut’s unique sound.

The group first introduced their music to the world in October 2023 with their debut singles “Can You Believe It,” “You Could Smile More” and “Nothing Wrong.” This year they’ve kept up the momentum with more single releases and now bring us their debut EP titled Songs From Hospital Rooms, a three-track EP that distils the emotions and moments from Brian’s experiences during his son’s hospital stays. Collaborating with Gus, the pair turned sleepless nights into creative bursts, transforming the cacophony of hospital machinery into a backdrop for their musical exploration and despite the somber circumstances of its creation, the EP is threaded with optimism and hope.

Starting things off with “Nightshift,” bright synth plucks are met with the strike of a downtempo beat as the vocal leads gently drift above the deep bass tones. Crafting a mellow and charming synthwave outing that revolves around themes of insomnia, it’s a delicate jam that rises with bold synth stabs and woozy textures as the alluring vocal melodies drift through the immersive soundscape to form a mesmeric and memorable listening experience.

“Some Other People” flows with dreamy choral vocalisations before the patter of percussion and airy guitar layers set up a delightful backdrop for the silky vocal lines to spin elegant melodies and poignant lyrics. Building with grooving bass synth lines and hazy aesthetic, it’s another stunning showcase of Classtronaut’s poignant songwriting and performance flair, wrapped in a Tame Impala-tinged vibe to forge a retro-inflected synth pop sound that’s impossible not to love.

The finale track “Orbit” brings an upbeat funk rhythm with zapping synth shots and shuffling beats capped by lively vocal flutters, framing their catchy writing in a bouncy and energising setting. Gliding through moments of tension building rises, the track takes flight in the chorus to serve up an infectious and invigorating spacey sound to provide an epic finale to the band’s sensational debut EP.

Listen to Songs From Hospital Rooms below