First Impressions are whiz-bang reviews of singles, 7″s, EPs, and LPs which are given a review after a single listen. This is a great way for TGEFM to showcase some of the releases which may not get a full review on their own.
Self-released, 28 Feb 2023
Fastbacks have been doing their killer sorta-garage-pop punk thing for a while, releasing some fantastic stuff in the 90s (Very, Very Powerful Motor and Zücker are personal favorites). Having been largely MIA for a while now, they’ve returned with a 2-song 7-inch release called A Quiet Night.
The title track revs up without hesitation before launching into a catchy singalong. The Kim Warnick lead vocals sound great as always, accented by equally melodic backing vocals. As the song buzzes along, a few guitar fireworks shoot off above the din and drummer Mike Musburger pounds away admirably. Song 2, “Outer Space”, leads with some church organs / keys and a bare and echoing lead vocal – a truly surprising start to the song. When rolling drums and a hooky synth joins in near the two minute mark, I wait for the buzzing guitars and quicker tempos to come blasting in – but they never do. The restraint is commendable and the song ends up otherworldly beautiful. This is a welcome return. Long live Fastbacks.
- Favorite Song: “A Quiet Night”
- Album Release Date: 28 Feb 2023
- Purchase/Pre-Order/Pre-Save: Bandcamp
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ryan is a reviewer and news editor for TGEFM. He’s very secretive, he might be an alien.
