“Maybe I’m old school, but I think just have some confidence and an attitude”, says Elizabeth Harper, better known as electro-pop outfit Class Actress’ salacious leading lady. “If people get in a huff, good.”
With early Madonna comparisons from reviewers, i-D online wasn’t sure what to expect from the unapologetic provocateur and musician. But true to her moniker, the bathrobe-clad, petite Harper put on a Depeche Mode record before sashaying off to get ready at her Brooklyn apartment. Immediate questions: Is she just waking at 7 pm? Are her dishevelled locks actually sex hair? Does she weep reading tragic romance novels before bed? To those familiar with Class Actress’ 2010 EP, Journal of Ardency, you’ll understand why we imagine Harper’s ex-lovers coming back for more and climbing to the top floor of her flat as if she’s Brooklyn’s own tempestuous Rapunzel.
Let it be known that Class Actress isn’t an act, though it may be Harper’s artistic armour. “In truth, I am being myself. I am on stage enjoying the nasty synths and beats and the way it makes me move. I might as well be on the dance floor,” she says. On her debut full-length album, Rapprocher, (French for “to come closer”), she illustrates the sinking ship of a love affair with 11 immaculate, shadowy pop gems which she self-describes as “stalker pop” and “NSA Dance Music.” ‘Love Me Like You Used To’ will leave you gutted on the dance-floor with whiskey tears (Robyn will be upset she didn’t write this one); the ticking beat of ultimate electro-banger ‘Weekend’ will be your shot glass of momentary bliss, and you’ll be raring to hit the city streets and leave the one that got away behind… for just a bit.
Rapprocher is out now on iTunes.
Text: Alex Catarinella
Photography: Katie KMC McCurdy
