High Ends
Super Class (Dine Alone)

Somewhere between a pleasant surprise and a natural progression, High Ends’ Super Class is the ambitiously idiosyncratic solo debut of Yukon Blonde frontman Jeffrey Innes. Shifting his emphasis from indie-rock guitars to analogue synth beats, Innes blends into his new surroundings unexpectedly well. (Or perhaps we should say retro surroundings, with Super Class taking most of its musical cues from the era of John Hughes and neon fanny packs.)

Opening with the line “Just a second while I fix my whole life,” “Downtown” gives a nod to Petula Clark while setting the scene for the rest of the record. Starting with a chill drum-machine rhythm, the song builds with an ascending microKORG refrain, until sun-flecked six-string flourishes kick in, painting the track with bright summery colour. The celebratory jams “The Weight” and “Intoxicated” keep the energy flowing.

Even when the Gary Numan vibes get weird on dated tracks like “Cappuccino” and “Feel Sleep Aliens”, seemingly inspired by a Discovery Channel special on Saturn or something, Super Class is hypnotically absorbing. And when the album fades out into infinity and beyond, awash in static-y astral noise, you can’t help but respect Innes’s knack for catchy melody and for showcasing his diverse tastes.