Reviewing the Fastbacks would be like reviewing oxygen, freedom, cats, or sunshine. No one needs to be told what any of these things are. You simply thank the universe that they exist and ponder the dreariness or impossibility of life without them. For WHAT Reason! is the first Fastbacks album in 25 years. My intention is not to review it but rather to celebrate its existence. If you're a regular reader of this blog, it's likely that the Fastbacks are one of your favorite bands of all-time. And it's guaranteed that this band has directly or indirectly influenced almost all your current favorite bands. For WHAT Reason! sounds like a Fastbacks record, and that's truly a beautiful thing. As the world changes rapidly and radically, and so many of the things that used to bring us happiness have disappeared from the face of the Earth, what a joy it is to hear the Fastbacks still in vintage form, still making us feel thrilled to be alive. Kim, Lulu, Kurt, and Muzz poured their hearts into this album. Here we have true OGs of pop-punk or punk-pop or whatever you wanna call it, and they're once again showing us how it ought to be done. Push play, crank up the volume, and bask in the greatness. For WHAT Reason! is one of the best albums of the year, but of course you knew that already.
