Rodney Cromwell – Exercise Class EP

“Exercise Class,” Rodney Cromwell’s most recent EP, is a playful, nostalgic exploration of the less glamorous sides of fitness culture, reflected in a combination of modern synth and electro-pop from the 1980s. The tracks on the EP are “Exercise Class,” “Madeline Trip,” “Exercise Class (Ant-People Remix),” and “Exercise Class (Radio Mix).”

Exercise Class: Cromwell opens the EP with the catchy synth-driven song “Exercise Class,” which instantly draws you in with its retro electro-pop vibe. Cromwell’s vocals have a vintage, almost robotic appeal due to his use of a vocoder. The song changes tempo around the 45-second mark, bringing in louder, more aggressive synth tones that channel the raw energy of garage rock as the vocals grow clearer and the instrumentation gets more intense. This mix produces a hip, danceable atmosphere that is nostalgic and surprisingly contemporary. The track’s motivation comes from Cromwell’s own conflicted feelings about working out, which gives the upbeat rhythms a touch of genuineness and comedy.

Madeline Trip: The 54-second instrumental track “Madeline Trip,” which is short but powerful, gives the EP a more intellectual vibe. This haunting voyage, which takes inspiration from Marcel Proust’s “In Search of Lost Time,” generates an ethereal and sad ambiance. This song has dreamy synthesizers and a subtle combination of unsettling synths that are expressive of the band Air’s electronic influences.

Exercise Class (Ant-People Remix): The title tune gets a remix in “Exercise Class (Ant-People Remix)” with a stronger focus on dance beats and a hint of 1980s nostalgia. The song gains more vitality and a synthwave touch around the 52-second mark as the remix adds more synth layers. The part that lasts from 3:39 to 4:10 is particularly noteworthy since it has electronic bass sounds that are ideal for DJs to use during transitions or for partygoers to lose themselves on the dance floor. The original song is turned into a pulsating, dance-focused hymn by this remix, which keeps the audience dancing.

Exercise Class (Radio Mix): The EP closes with the “Exercise Class (Radio Mix),” a more streamlined and radio-friendly version of the title track. This mix retains the core elements of the original while offering a polished orchestration that makes it accessible for a broader audience.

The “Exercise Class” EP by Rodney Cromwell is a playful experimentation in electronic music that combines modern and vintage elements. Every song provides a different experience: from the vibrant and humorous title track to the introspective “Madeline Trip,” and the dance-floor-ready “Ant-People Remix.”

Photo Credit: photo by Barry Limb