First Class Rebel – Shadows Fade (2025)
First Class Rebel – a term that so avidly describes someone defying norms with a shrug of the shoulders, not giving a true damn who or what anyone thinks. With his new solo project, Ian Burke fuses this rebellious nature in a blend of heavy shoegaze and raw psychedelic rock attitude. An artist “weaving atmosphere and grit into one powerful statement.” As his debut single, this is both ours and everyone else’s introduction to First Class Rebel. Join us as we jump headfirst into the single, ‘Shadows Fade’.
Influenced by the likes of The Stone Roses, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and Ride, ‘Shadows Fade’ has a song that brims with duality. Dragging us back to the 1970s and 1980s, there is a strong vintage feel to ‘Shadows Fade’, yet simultaneously a contemporary tone tinges the edges. Its confidence breathes through the soaring guitars and dynamic drums; however, there is also a sense of vulnerability and fragility within the threads of rock-filled music. Bold and brash, but languid and serene. A tranquil float across a sonic river, while tumultuous waves clip at your heels with hidden frenzy and urgency.
Recorded at Darklands Audio with producer Dan Doherty, ‘Shadows Fade’ showcases his mastery of sophisticated arrangements, but he also keeps a twinkling of raw playfulness fluttering atop the mature melody. First Class Rebel’s vocals contribute to this wistful wave of expertly layered shoegaze and psychedelia, keeping you anchored and sending you off on an intoxicating ride.
So, my overall opinion of First Class Rebel and ‘Shadows Fade’? It’s a song to calm you and offer relief at the end of the day. I am eager to hear more from First Class Rebel, and I hope he hasn’t peaked with the debut. Time will tell.
In addition to the single, First Class Rebel released an official music video for ‘Shadows Fade’. You can view the video below and/or on his YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED
Find out more about First Class Rebel on his X, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and Spotify.
This artist was sent to us by Jawdropper Music.
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