FASTER DISASTER’s
NEW LP
Too Stupid To Quit
When reviewing albums that fall into genres I don't particularly care for, I often worry that I'm overlooking some spark of talent or innovation that a dedicated genre fan would hear. I'm haunted by the voice of an imagined genre connoisseur saying "Sure, that's the million-and-first overproduced top-40-style country song that details a man's love for a particular brand of American-made vehicle, to which brand he pledges to cleave, forsaking all others. But what about that horn part in the middle eight? I haven't heard anyone try something like that since the ill-fated Brooks and Dunn mariachi effort! It's genius, I tell you."
That voice is silent throughout Too Stupid To Quit. FASTER DISASTER plays loud, boring bar/frat rock of the loudest and most boring variety. They're not apologetic about it, which can be a positive quality if you choose to see it that way. I don't see it that way. Sure, they try to artsy-up "Snake"'s opening, but when the lyrics come in, all pretense at artistry falls by the wayside. Oh, there's pretension à go go -- just no artistry (we're talking "mushroom clouds" and "crown of thorns" here).
This stuff is all probably well intentioned, though there's a lingering feeling that Faster Disaster is trying to hedge its bets via self-deprecation. This only makes the whole effort seem more contrived and awkward. This is rock and roll of the dullest, least inventive sort, enlivened neither by instrumental prowess nor songwriting acumen, let alone lyrical content. There's just not much here to recommend.
Brett McCallon
Splendid Magazine
April 11, 2005
For original review CLICK HERE!&
Mix in one part humor, three parts grungy guitars and a very small dose of power-pop and you get the stylings of FASTER DISASTER a band straight from the underground with riff happy songs and layered vocals. The best part of the album is the old school riffing and guitar solos. It's a pretty consistent album with bits of humor and guitars galore throughout. The only real draw back are the female backing vocals which sound a bit out of place at times but overall this a great underground rock CD. If you like classic guitar rock or early grunge then definitely check this band out.
AntiMUSIC.com
February 22, 2005
For original review CLICK HERE!&
Musically their latest offering is still on par with the songs they've created on the previous Exploding Head Phenomenon though it doesn't provide any drastic change, it is quite enjoyable all the way through.
FASTER DISASTER don’t try to play much faster than most rock bands and work more for the song than for any other thing. The riffs are simple and the rhythms straight forward, though slightly busy under the surface, with very B52’s/Jello Biafra-like vocal arrangements layered on top. If you listen to bands like The Zombies, Electric Prune, Cheap Trick, Dead Moon, or even Mudhoney, you'll certainly have no problem with this. The lyrics are driven by black humor and there are lessons to be learned about life and relationships in every song. Some classic lyrics: ‘Smokes like a diesel with a six-inch stack, Laces her tea with Johnnie Walker Black, Wears spandex bras and polyester slacks, Gave three good husbands a heart attack’ and ‘If she’d just be my friend, I’d stop trashing her name, We could both shave our heads, And walk around like a couple of eggs…
In essence, FASTER DISASTER melds the energy and garage feel of punk music with a hook and melody-filled infusion of Stones-type of rock.
Cosmicmasseur, Concrete Web
October 10, 2004&
Man, this is real fun stuff… The band hails from Seattle and mix humor and irreverence with a good dose of hard rocking music. Think the Mentors, but without the pornographic references… The CD begins with the ominous “Snake.” A great guitar riff and lyrics! “Watching Her Die” is more a heavy blues rocker with Lynne singing the lead vocal. It reminds me a bit of the early L7 stuff. Steve has a lot of cool fuzzed, phased guitar sounds and mixes them up really well on the CD. “Drain Pipe” is a more fuzzed out garagy number and Steve's voice really reminds me of Jello Biafra. “Headful of Lice” is a cool slow song with great words. “Petting Zoo” is a fast song with a great bouncy bass line that really grabs you. The vocal delivery is really different on this song. “Such a Pain” has a really deranged guitar riff and sound and again Jello comes to mind. The CD ends with the excellent title track and a great fuzz guitar. Dead Kennedys meets L7 meets the Mentors! This band is clever, funny, tongue in cheek and they rock. Great stuff!
Scott Heller, Aural Innovations, #29
October 2004
For original review CLICK HERE!_____
Reviews of
FASTER DISASTER’s
debut LP
Exploding Head PhenomenonFASTER DISASTER’s music [is] a mix of rock ‘n’ roll, 60’s psychedelia, and the best of the alternative and punk worlds… Lead track "The Shadow Snores" is an exciting rocker, featuring rumbling solos and a steady beat. "So Confused" is a catchy Love/Electric Prunes-like shaker and works quite well in tandem with the no-nonsense Supersuckers/Butthole Surfer’s attitude…and the scorching guitar work will get to you immediately.
Cosmicmasseur, Concrete Web
February 14, 2004&
Seattle's FASTER DISASTER is a driving acid rock band whose lyrics are as likely to twist your brain as their music is likely to twist your head.
New Artists, GroundWaves.com
Digital Radio for the Global Underground
January 31, 2004&
FASTER DISASTER instantly had my interest peaked. Say what you'd like about the post-Nirvana wasteland that is the current rock scene, but Seattle continues to produce some of the most musically brilliant releases even still today.
With tongue held firmly in cheek and the amplifiers turned up to "11", Exploding Head Phenomenon features 12 neo-rock anthems. They call to mind the likes of The Melvins, Mudhoney, the Butthole Surfers, C.O.C., and others. The band…succeeds where others fail: they create something fun. Rock solid production too, many times I felt like the world was coming to an end... Yeah, I guess you could say the bottom end is... well... HUGE. And delightfully so.
If you like your rock sprinkled with just the right amount of irreverence (I do) then FASTER DISASTER is your best bet.
I love this CD.
—DJ Copelinn, New Digital Sound
December 7, 2003
For complete review CLICK HERE!&
I just love the humility in bands that embrace their influences without shame. This nascent decade has suffered plenty of over-styled pop bands co-opting the genre label of punk rock (and, unfortunately, softening the trademark edginess of true punk music). On Exploding Head Phenomenon, Seattle's FASTER DISASTER admits to actually being there during the best years of The Cramps, X, and Tex and the Horseheads. Loaded with raw, pre-MTV blues-based punk rock, Exploding Head Phenomenon is a decent freshmen effort for the trio. Songs like "Headache" are filled with hooks filed to a serrated edge by guitar and girl-on-boy harmonies.
Exploding Head Phenomenon is a fun, refreshing listen…[and] worth the introductory price.
—Tess. Lotta, Scene & Heard
Belltown Paper , December 2003
For complete review CLICK HERE!&
FASTER DISASTER - Exploding Head Phenomenon CD - These Seattle scenesters serve up these mid-tempo, bluesy, rock grooves that have potential, but are too long and slow for my taste. I could barely make it through a second listen.
—Hal MacLean, Maximumrocknroll
October 2003&
FASTER DISASTER has that old skool Seattle sound, reminding me of K Records or Kill Rock Stars' rosters. It’s funny because FASTER DISASTER has as much an affinity for that heavy mix of punk, groove, blues and rock, as they do for well-honed, smartly crafted pop, which really makes them fun to listen to…
These guys have a great mix of styles. Kicking off the disc is “The Shadow Snores”, a cool jangly, mid-tempo number with just enough vocal punch to give it that punky edge. The Repo Man soundtrack really springs to mind as Esteban Buenomuchacho introduces us to his unique guitar chops, mixing both twangy surf guitar with some great punk-rock sensibilities. “Ruta B” is a little bit moodier than the lead-off track, moving into a darker realm courtesy of Lynne’s creepy, silky smooth bass lines, not to mention a kick-ass guitar solo by Esteban. Along the same vein is “Earful”, most noted for its plodding bass and Lux Interior vocal style (minus the shtick) – one of my favourite tracks on the disc for sure…
This is a solid debut for this Seattle trio. Hats off to FASTER DISASTER, I’m looking forward to what they come up with next.
—Nick Muc, stonerrockchick.com
August 4, 2003
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