Welcome to the Grim Age With The Classic Crime

By Phil Hawkins

For the past 10+ years The Classic Crime have been indie mainstays continually pushing their boundaries thematically and musically. After their departure from Tooth & Nail Records the band has continued to garner support from their fanbase via crowdfunding and released a total of 5 albums through this avenue.

2023 sees the release of their latest album, GRIM AGE, which was funded very quickly after the release of Patterns in the Static at the beginning of the pandemic. Matt [MacDonald] and company had the foresight during the early days of the pandemic to go ahead and start the ground work for their next album as things looked grim for them being able to support the album due to gathering and/or travelling restrictions.

GRIM AGE encapsulates a period in time that we all collectively will carry with us in some form or another. The album opens with lead single “RAGEBOI” which is a rather unique (and brief) choice to lead an album. It starts with a strong punk feel that shifts in to more of what we have come to expect from TCC and then meshes the two together before culminating at a total runtime of 1:08. It transitions perfectly in to “RIGHT NOW” which opens with the poignant line; “How did everybody suddenly get so devoted to bullshit?” It’s a blunt statement that speaks strongly to the socio-political climate that is and has been prevalent for the past several years. We’re all seeking authenticity, but there seems to be less and less of it while there more and more junk being pushed out in to the world.

“END OF EVERYTHING” is TCC at their finest and really captures the sound the band has cultivated over their almost 20 years career. It is musically atmospheric yet has a strong sense of simplicity that is woven within the melodic harmonies that MacDonald brings to the table vocally. “ALONE IN THE CITY” follows and opens with a symphonic backdrop and then shifts in to a lighter tone that feels reminiscent to The Seattle Sessions EP released back in 2007. “INTO THE EARTH” has a bit of a darker tone musically but still carries the same gravitas that is commonplace for TCC. Lyrically, it is poetically crafted and showcases MacDonald’s ability to use his words to create something atmospheric and intricately beautiful. “INTO THE EARTH” is the second longest track on the album and it utilizes every second of it’s 5:07 runtime filling the musical space with a lush full sound. “THE OLD WAYS” follows and fits as more of an interlude with its central placement on the album and it’s shorter runtime. It fits as the perfect bridge between the first and second halves of the album.

“STAY IN LOVE” has a remarkable bass tone that stands out among the rest of the instrumentation on the track. It’s a track that feels “poppier” than it truly sounds. The lower bass tone creates a bit of a looming darkness almost to the more vibrant guitar tone. “WHAT YOU RUN FROM” feels almost anthemic in part due to the chorus and showcases more of the symphonic backdrop encountered earlier in the album. The track would fit well as the closer for a live set as it seems to embody TCC in every aspect of their tenure as a band. “NEW NOISE” feels like it could have been written during the Phoenix era but still manages to fit well on GRIM AGE.

The album culminates with “LOST MAGIC” and “HIGH MILEAGE” with “LOST MAGIC” carrying a more melancholic undertone. It feels like it is written from a personal perspective of the band’s career through the eyes MacDonald in particular. It could be considered the perfect closer on the album, however, that title goes to “HIGH MILEAGE” which is more acoustic in structure and carries amore light heartedness than “LOST MAGIC.” It closes the album with more of a sense of hope where “LOST MAGIC” would seem potentially more depressing if it were the final track. When placed next to one another it creates a unique dark/light effect highlighting the band’s ability to create a contrast that paints a much larger picture thematically.

GRIM AGE is a fine addition to an already impressive discography that The Classic Crime has cultivated thus far in their career. To long time listeners and fans of the band there are sure to be some surprises with the occasional throwback. However, for the average listener the album may take a few full play throughs to fully connect with as it might be considered an acquired taste.

GRIM AGE is available now on all major streaming and digital platforms or you can purchase physical copies here.