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For a band that "never set out to be a radio band" the Austin, Texas trio Fastball has seen plenty of airtime. 1998 first saw the proliferation of the post-modern poppers to the top of the charts with their sophomore release, All The Pain Money Can Buy. Platinum-plus status followed and the band became a mainstay on both radio and the television.
Watchout - as the airwaves will soon be intoxicated once more - with Fastball's up-tempo release, The Harsh Light of Day. A collection of songs that would get any radio programming director excited, the band's latest release can best be described as both introspective and vast. Strengthened songwriting co-exists admirably with fluid vocals (shared evenly by Miles Zuniga and Tony Scalzo) and flawless drumming (provided by the talented Joey Shuffield).
The Harsh Light of Day announces proudly to the world that this is not a flash-in-the-pan band with one hit and a "What Ever Happened To..." special on VH1 five years from now. The debut single "You're An Ocean", which has already seen modest success on top 40 charts, begins with a Walton's-like groove and expands to full-fledged acoustic frenzy. Club-goers who don't appreciate the stale boy-bands and cheap lyrics (ummm...who let the dogs out?) of today's current scene will find plenty of reason to dance to this hit.
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The following gem "You're An Ocean" laments "millions of people / loved what you did / but when it hit ya / you ran and hid". Thankfully to music fans this statment is not auto-biographical as Fastball seems to have grown with exposure, both musically and lyrically. Pressed for a comparison the band could be said a 90's Toad the Wet Sprocket crossed with a 60's Beatle's air.
The Harsh Light of Day came as a three month collaboration between the band, producer Julian Raymond, who is said to have made "massive" contributions, and studio mind Bennett Salvay. Guest musician's include the pianist Billy Preston and the hip swinger Brian Setzer (who is fresh on the heels of his own latest release). Ultimately, the album presents the theme of a "willingness to take chances and rush headlong into the unknown". If stardom is "the unknown" this theme will prove false for Fastball, as there is no risk in stating the band's abilities - only the risk of understating them.
By Erin Boyle, CanEHdian.com
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