:: Harsh Light Of Day

Fastball

The latest release from US three-piece Fastball, “Harsh Light Of Day” is the follow up to the 1998 smash “All the Pain Money Can Buy” which featured the songs “Out of my Head” and “The Way”. The more you listen to this CD, the more hooked you become. Tracks such as “You’re an Ocean”, “Love is Expensive and Free”, “Wind Me Up” and “Time” are so catchy they scream out to be singles. The first single “You’re an Ocean” features a really catchy piano riff throughout and has a summery feel – it’s just so upbeat! For me however, the real gems on this release are the so-called ‘album tracks’, such as “Dark Street”, a richly crafted song of pleading love. The opening track, “This is Not My Life”, is a little experimental, reminiscent in parts to REM’s “Turn You Inside-Out” with it’s use of megaphone vocal effects and angry sentiment. Throughout the album a smooth groove and excellent lyrics rule, there are no filler tracks. Mid album, Fastball pick up the pace with a trio of rockers, “Wind Me Up”, “Morning Star” and “Time” which change the fell of the CD brilliantly. The album closes with a couple of beauties, “Don’t Give Up On Me’ and “Whatever Gets You On”, great, slower paced songs that leave you wanting more. “Harsh Light of Day” deserves the highest praise.