Recording began for ‘Eyes on Fire’ - the debut release from Ottawa’s Class of 91 - in early 2020 with hopes of a summer release and supporting live shows. This all changed with the onset of the COVID pandemic, ushering in a period of stay-at-home orders, physical distancing, business closures, and family health scares. Recording in person became impossible, and even the concept of recording an album seemed trivial. But in the end it turned out to be a catharsis, with songwriter Ian Ferguson (guitar and vocals), Brock Sarault (guitar), Fred Pantalone Jr. (bass), and Steve Clifford (drums and production duties) finding ways to finish recording and production virtually.

The result is a collection of eight songs about challenges in the human story — identity, connection, loss, and navigating an increasingly polarized world. It can be heard in songs like “Breakaway”, a punchy critique of the online echo chamber: “screaming opinion at every other opinion.” The track “Couldn’t This Be Right” offers a reflection on moving forward after the loss of a parent: “now I must hold all the answers, and hope that they’re not wrong.” The album’s title track speaks to resilience during uncertain times: “This is where we’ll stand our ground, walking the wire, eyes on fire.” Class of 91 brings it all together in a sonic design that splits the difference between guitar-infused indie rock, punk, and power pop.

'Eyes on Fire' was produced by Steve Clifford and Ian Ferguson, and mastered by Stefan Jurewicz (The Desert Island Big Band) at Kick Me Records, Ottawa.

'Eyes on Fire' is available on Friday, October 2, 2020, on all streaming platforms.