A year and a half after their release of their debut album, Albatross, The Classic Crime is serving up something a little bit different to their audiences. Taking a break from their indie rock style, the band's latest project, Acoustic EP: Seattle Sessions puts a new spin on their acclaimed dynamic. You won't find any guitar-led anthems here. But what you will find from these Seattle natives are honest, meaningful lyrics accompanied by some beautiful acoustic artwork.

The appropriately titled opening track, "Seattle," plunges us into the depths of our dreams and the struggles we go through when trying to chase and accomplish them. "Blindfolded" follows and is a mellow yet catchy song with its guitar work and vocals. As many of us have probably figured out, life always comes with situations that test our strength- a theme obviously found in "The Test." Its chorus sings, "so here's to the promise of glamorous living; you must drink up now 'cause it's all that you're getting; if you haven't been tested, you certainly will; and I promise it's going to kill." Following is "Wake Up (Shipwreck)," which is directed to the faithless and the heartbroken, telling them to forsake their pain and return from being a "flock of sheep astray." The Classic Crime also does a beautiful job of a creating a love song without the fairytales. We actually get a glimpse of a lovers' reality in "Drink In My Hand" when it talks about the brokenness of one's heart, the blame we put on ourselves when a relationship fails, and the depression that follows such events. Even more impressive about this song is the fact that it was recorded live- yet it sounds completely flawless. The closing songs, "When the Time Comes" and "Far From Home," are exceptionally beautiful pieces, both lyrically and musically. Their themes range from a common knowledge of love, to reminiscing about younger days in contrast to the lost lives we are living as adults. Their pace is a bit slower than the rest of the album, however, this is definitely not a weakness of theirs. They are ideal closers to this wonderfully crafted Acoustic EP, without a doubt.

Lyrically, this album- as the band's myspace attests- sounds a lot like "life." From innermost struggles, to love, and finding oneself in a sea of others- it is one of the best soundtracks to life I've come across. Also, with hints of spirituality here and there, it provides a nice contrast from song to song. The music matches the moods of the songs to a "t" and flows well together throughout the 7-track record. The acoustic guitars are beautifully done, adding a lot of depth and personality to the record, and Matt McDonald's vocals ring true. Seattle Sessions can attest to the band's true talent; more so stripped down than produced.

The Classic Crime has most definitely proven themselves with this EP. Anyone who had any doubts about this band with their debut album can be rest assured that there are more layers to The Classic Crime that we have yet to see. Seattle Sessions gives us a pretty good idea, though. And I don't think the listeners could be any more pleased.

- Review date: 11/26/07, written by Lindsay Wiseman