AS FAST AS are a band out of Portland, Maine who have managed to combine 60’s power pop ( THE WHO) with 70’s arena rock, along with today’s modern rock (FOO FIGHTERS). Lead by front man Spencer Albee, who started the band in 2003, has brought his bandmates, Zach Jones(guitar) , Andrew Hodgkins(drums), and Hache(bass) to LA and have released “Open Letter to the Damaged” on Octane Records.

The opening track “Blame it on the Drugs” was self produced by Albee and should have closed the CD in my opinion. The label brought in studio wiz Matt Wallace(TRAIN) to bring it up to par. The CD is filled with strong melodies and huge choruses with sing able lyrics not unlike Bucth Walker (MARVELOUS 3) and strong beats not unlike SUPERGRASS. These songs are filled with catchy harmonies and you will be hooked.

It was the first single “Florida Sunshine” that had me rocking along in my car. I couldn’t get enough of the song. Hell, it might as well have been called ‘California Sunshine’ for all I care. The song made me smile and air drum and play bass on my steering wheel. With it’s crunchy riff, heavy bass and drums, with a touch of keys (a la HEAD EAST). As Fast As are another band bringing the 70’s vibe into the new millennium. The CD is covered with backing vocals to accent the strong vocals of Albee. Check out his falsetto on “If I Only Knew.” The AM Gold shines though on this soulful gem. Remember they’re on the same label as MAROON 5. There are a couple of funny numbers called “Wasted Youth” and “Skin the Kat.”. There’s the slower number, “This Time” with it’s slick production, that has it fading out like “Hey, Jude.” I think they even mention The Beatles in the song “Special”, that lyrically plays out like a personal ad.

All in all this is a great way to wrap up the summer. It’s loud, it’s fun and it’s, AS FAST AS...