Sophie's Floorboard: Middle Class

Middle Class were a hardcore punk/post-punk band from Santa Ana, California that formed in 1978 and broke up in 1982. They are perhaps best known for their debut EP Out Of Vogue, which is often cited as being one of, if not the first "hardcore" album ever put out, along with others such as Black Flag's Nervous Breakdown and The Germs' Lexicon Devil. Unfortunately, Middle Class never gained the notoriety of many other bands that came out in that era. This is probably also partially due to their changes in sound that came quite quickly after their first EP. On 1980's Scavenged Luxury, the band shifts to post-punk, by taking influence from the punk-funk of Gang Of Four and the artful melodies of Mission of Burma. By the time their sole full-length came out, Homeland, they've evolved into a slightly more upbeat Joy Division. All their work is definitely solid, regardless of what niche it falls into. If you're looking for late 70's/early 80's punk, here you go. Also, the compilation A Blueprint For Joy features both of their two EP's in addition to demos and unreleased songs. If you want more straight-forward punk from these guys, give the compilation a listen too. Enjoy.