Middle Class Fashion 3/6/12 (L to R):
Brian McClelland, Jenn Malzone, Brad Vaughn

On minor key piano pop trio MIDDLE CLASS FASHION's debut full length, GIRL TALK, the St. Louis-based group marries breezy, hook-infused pop elodies with slightly dark, classically inuenced arrangements and a penchant for complex, joyous vocal harmonies. Picture Tegan and Sara scoring a Tim Burton film with Danny Elfman.

Singer/pianist Jenn Malzone formed MIDDLE CLASS FASHION in 2010 with a member from each of her two other bands—drummer Brad Vaughn plays bass in Malzone's baroque pop outfit PAPER DOLLS, while she and bassist Brian McClelland co-lead the StL indie pop powerhouse TIGHT PANTS SYNDROME—mostly "to create an avenue for my songs that didn't seem to t as well with the other bands," Malzone said. "And with Brad and Brian's aptitude and enthusiasm for learning and developing new material we were able to speed up the creative process in a way we weren't able to in the other bands—basically, to write a song on Monday, learn it on Wednesday, and play it in front of an audience on Friday. It's fun, and it keeps us on our toes."

The band members have had a great year—Malzone was awarded BEST FEMALE VOCALIST by the RIVERFRONT TIMES' ST. LOUIS BEST OF 2011 poll, and her other project with McClelland, TIGHT PANTS SYNDROME, won BEST POP BAND in the RFT's 2011 MUSIC POLL. After taking a few baby steps early in 2010 with MIDDLE CLASS FASHION—including releasing and touring behind an acclaimed self-titled EP—MCF will be touring in 2012 behind their debut full-length, GIRL TALK, released to glowing reviews January 18, 2012 via Blip! Blap! Records + Tapes.

The band's hometown is rallying 'round the MCF flag—spins from St. Louis independent radio mecca KDHX have made GIRL TALK #1 on their CMJ TOP 30 chart, and the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH recently featured the band in their LISTEN video series, shooting a whirling live performance of an unreleased track, "Stuck," in a very pink and girl talk-friendly hair salon.

(click album cover to close window)

MY ATTACK I propose we drop these walls once and for all Rewrite those words we said out of anger Lately I've felt sick infected with bitterness Aren't we ready to feel a little bit better? But you won't do it rather throw a fit Think you like falling down so I'll stick around And I don't think I like you anymore like that Starting today when I see you I will look away Now every time I see you I will look away Take that take that Starting today when I see you I will look away Now every time I see you I will look away Take that take that That's my attack

FEEDBACK Afflicted with rose colored needs She lives downward swept at my feet Their whispers tell me step away Like flowers she'll wither and fade But over time things will slide and look different to me She's gone to a place I can't write I'd answer if she called tonight My quest isn't best for her needs In our world that's littered with seeds But over time things will slide and look different to me

FORGET ME NOT On the inside on the outline We cross paths but what we build won't last Undercover, we were younger Holding hands, our words now flying past Will you wrap your arms around me from behind I don't need to feel you but it's intact in my mind Cannot find the words to sell you on my pure intentions How do I address what I did not know how to mention Close this box forget me not How could I Circling a new beginning Much more bright Would have waited if you'd made it Clear that I existed in your mind Probably better since forever Isn't where my forte lies Will you wrap your arms around me from behind I don't need to feel you but it's intact in my mind Cannot find the words to sell you on my pure intentions How do I address what I did not know how to mention Close this box forget me not How could I Circling a new beginning Much more bright

SKELETON I get in moods I think of you And it makes me want to puke Can't ever sleep stuck counting sheep Swallow the company I keep I get along fine on my own Stay inside it's what feels right Coughing up songs sad sing along Up my sleeve they go from my ears they store Away I think I can hear something you cannot I'm righting all the rights until they rot Got something to invest unveil the demons in this box of skeletons Skeleton You curl inside your precious fight I string words like Christmas lights Colors impair what's waiting there Best chance you had thrown in the air All of my friends know better than to depend on what I say Sweet subtlety in melody Will disband the soldiers we are getting older Today I think I can hear something you cannot I'm righting all the rights until they rot Got something to invest unveil the demons in this box of skeletons Skeleton