Formed in 2013, FastAstronaut consists of EJ Morgan (Atlas), Andy Wildrick (The Junior Varsity, The Dear Hunter), and John Schaffer (Atlas) on drums. Keeping the mindset, “If it isn’t epic, throw it out,” EJ, alongside Andy set forth on what would become the bands debut EP, “Invisible Sun,” released independently on March 1st, 2014. The goal was to create a sound large enough to fill stadiums yet able to reach individuals on a personal level. Ambitious as it may be, this precedent is certainly met within “Invisible Sun.”
Balance sets off the record with the bar high. Ushered in by a driving groove and punctuated backbeat, the first verse will draw you in with a catchy bounce that effortlessly gives the listener the overwhelming need to move. Dropping into the pre-chorus, the perfect amount of tension is created allowing for the release of the chorus to take it’s full effect. Containing a perfectly crafted melody, backed by a bright and poppy rhythm guitar, the chorus of Balance does exactly as it should, hook, line, and sinker. This is one song that will have you bopping along beneath the lights this summer.
Though the intro makes Home feel like an upbeat fist pumper, don’t be fooled. The track remains rather laid back once again allowing for the chorus to be the real driving force. Remember the initial goal of Fast Astronaut was to make it epic. Home is exactly that, a huge chorus and an ambience that would surely give you chills as it echoes through the vast expanse of any given arena, reaching even the most remote seats in the room.
Stranger wastes no time setting the mood. Piercing the first beat, the words, “I’m a stranger,” sits atop a simple yet powerful bass line played on piano rather than guitar. Each note rings out highlighting each measure and keeping the focus on the emotionally impactful lyrics. Stranger steadily builds into a drum fill laden movement that is carried along by a bittersweet melody also played on piano. Though the subject of the song may be fading away, its tune certainly won’t be leaving your thoughts anytime soon.
Easily the most upbeat and unique from the rest of the EP is Not Like That. More driven by guitar than the first 3 tracks, it is much more traditional in the style of pop rock. Building on the initial hook, this is one break up song that won’t leave you hating the world, much the opposite. “I slammed the door in your face and left the house in a whirlwind,” captures the theme of Not Like That within the first line. Rather than being a resentful song about lost love, its true message is a much more empowering; don’t get in my way type of story.
Rounding off “Invisible Sun,” Burning Up is an up-tempo, yet slightly darker sounding number. The crunch of the guitar and delivery of the verses personally reminds me of Alkaline Trio though collectively, exists as a sound all it’s own. Again using tension in the pre-chorus to give the chorus release, Burning Up is rich in multiple melodic hooks. Think of it like a three and a half minute parade of earworms. You’ll be singing, “Burn me up, burning up, burn me up I’ve had enough,” for the next week and dammit, you’ll be glad!
Despite being a newly formed band, Fast Astronaut is a fantastic display of musicianship, sounding as though the group has played together for years. Great things are sure to come as Fast Astronaut continues progressing towards their goal to be epic. Hear what your missing exclusively on “Invisible Sun.”
Stream or purchase “Invisible Sun” here, courtesy of Bandcamp.com:
– Jacob Stahl / SwitchBitch Records / Reed City Ruins
