Photo Credit: Robbie Negrin

Today, April 28, marks the first time in nearly five years that THE CLASSIC CRIME has put out a new full-length album, with the release of How to Be Human via BC Music. You can hear and purchase the album today at www.theclassiccrime.com and on Apple Music, iTunes, and Spotify.

How to Be Human expands the Seattle-based rock band’s musical horizons with a more dense, layered sound while retaining the trademark lyricism and soaring choruses of singer/guitarist Matt MacDonald. The record’s progression from previous releases reflects MacDonald’s deepened introspection about the changes in himself, his life, and worldview in the time since The Classic Crime’s last LP, 2012’s The Phoenix.

“I’m not very good at being vulnerable with people, so writing songs is how I express what I’ve been protecting,” explains lead singer-songwriter Matt MacDonald. “A lot has happened. Some of us got married, had kids, started businesses, moved around. But when change happens, I tend to write it down,” he adds. As noted in the Alternative Press premiere of “Holy Water”, How to Be Human was influenced by MacDonald researching everything from religion to science to make sense of the world, which has translated into the 12-track introspection on the human condition, in secular and spiritual considerations, and the weight and purpose of individual consciousness.

The weighty, pensive subject matter found on the record is matched by the challenge the band placed on itself to re-invent itself musically, with a sound reminiscent of Death Cab For Cutie meets Motion City Soundtrack. With producer/mixer Michael “Elvis” Baskette (from The Classic Crime’s previous records Albatross, The Silver Cord, and Vagabonds) at the helm, How to Be Human was able to reach into deeper, more atmospheric territory, and do so while still earnestly representing the spirit and ethos that has defined The Classic Crime for over a decade.

Check out the band's video for "Ghost" above!

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAZONyBQ9ZY

Since forming in 2004, The Classic Crime has worked tirelessly to put out heartfelt music and tour the country to perform as passionately and precisely as possible. Their work ethic, artistry, and passion that has translated to a devoted fanbase, to such effect that How to Be Human’s Kickstarter received triple the desired donors. How to Be Human is the fifth full-length album of new material by The Classic Crime, one which continues to build the culture of passion and character that the band has carried out over their career, while exemplifying their desire to bring their music to vast new levels of both musical and personal exploration.

The Classic Crime is Matt MacDonald (vocal & guitar), Robbie Negrin (guitar), Skip Erickson (drums), and Alan Clark (bass).