Returning from a set of dates in their Canadian homeland with Vancouver prog-pop band The Zolas and an appearance at SXSW last month, Toronto’s Fast Romantics will play a headlining show tonight (April 5) at Woodlands Tavern.
Their latest single, “Animal”, pairs piercing synths with Matthew Angus’ soaring lead vocal – which is especially excellent when twinned in harmony with fellow vocalist/keyboardist/guitarist and songwriter, Kirty. Although the last complete Fast Romantics album, Afterlife Blues, was released in 2013, a standalone track “Julia” was made available last spring. It’s irresistibly buoyant – a modern cousin of Jackie DeShannon’s pop classic “When You Walk In The Room”. Its chorus of jangling bells, lofty strings, and unforgettable hook would easily fit with the best of the Brill Building standards of the mid-60s.
The original version of the band, founded by Angus and bassist Jeffrey Lewis, was first formed in Calgary in 2008. After playing local venues extensively, Fast Romantics soon found themselves sharing concert bills with high-profile bands like The Flaming Lips and Stone Temple Pilots. Their first (self-titled) album was released in 2008.
The following year, the band was selected by Spin Magazine as one of three finalists in its “Free the Noise” competition. In 2010, they would issue an EP – Kidcutter. Current members Kirty, Kevin Black (vocals and guitar), and drummer Nick McKinlay would join the band over the next year or so to round out its current lineup. Fast Romantics was named as 2014’s Pop Group of the Year at the SiriusXM Indies awards from a list of nominees that included contemporaries like Groenland, JRDN, Mise en Scene, and Two Hours Traffic.
Fast Romantics will depart Columbus for a few more US dates. The band’s as-yet untitled third full-length album, produced by Gus Van Go and Werner F (who have worked previously with Michael Rault, Hollerado, and Whitehorse), is due this summer.
Fast Romantics will take the stage at Woodlands Tavern, 1200 West 3rd Avenue in Grandview Heights, tonight (April 5) at 9:30 pm (doors open at 8:30). Tickets are $10.00 and are available here. Show is 21+. More information about the band is available on the website.
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