“As fast as what?” “I dunno, whatever you want.” “I don’t get it.” “There’s nothing to get.” “Do you sound anything like Faster Pussycat?” “Absolutely not.” Indeed it’s a strange name, but I feel it really does capture the essence of this band. Whereas everyone here is adept at so many musical styles, and there’s such a broad array of influences, a sentence fragment could be about the best name for it. Besides, The Who was already taken. Since I started this project (I being Spencer Albee, hello) late in the summer of 2003, I’ve watched as the band has grown into a new and stronger organism, and I’ve heard the songs develop from our drum machine and synthesizer fueled independent debut ‘Open Letter To The Damned’ into the sound of a band on fire. Now, I know you’ve heard lots of band members talk about how and why their bands are special, but I want you to believe me when I say this band is shit-hot. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an acoustic set in front of 15 confused customers at Bull Moose Music in Portland, ME, or a full blown electric show in front of 3,600 screaming fans at Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium. As Fast As always delivers. Never scripted, never rehearsed, sometimes drunk, ALWAYS on fire. Sometimes I regret that I’m in the band, as I’ll never get an opportunity to see a show. What may you ask makes this band special? Here’s the recipe: 2 cups The Beatles 1 cup The Who 1 cup Elvis Costello and the Attractions 1/2 cup Led Zeppelin 1 tablespoon Weezer 1/2 cup The Kinks 1 teaspoon Stevie Wonder a dash of mid 90’s Seattle sensibility 1 case premium beer 4 wiseasses from the sticks bake for 1 1/2 years VOILA! AS FAST AS! There, now you can make your own… AHHHHHH, but it’s the quality of our ingredients that really makes the difference. I’ve chosen only the finest Hache for his thunderous, yet divinely articulate bass playing, the smoothest Zach Jones available, to add velvety backing vocals and rich guitars, and last but not least the lightning in a jar flavor of Andrew Hodgkins’s drumming to hold it all together. And sure, my singing, keyboard playing, rhythm guitars and ukelele are fine and all, but you might be able to get by with a generic brand. We’re now done with our Octone Records debut, which we’ll again call ‘Open Letter To The Damned’ cause you can’t keep a good title down. We recorded in Los Angeles, and despite that crazy city’s best efforts, we made a totally rad and rocking record with Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, R.E.M., Blues Traveler, Faith No More, Paul Westerburg), Brian Malouf (Pearl Jam, Eve 6, Michael Jackson) and Howard Benson (All American Rejects, Hoobastank, My Chemical Romance). So what do we do now that we’re done? Why we come play your town of course! Sure, look for us in all your local pubs, theatres, clubs, arenas, record stores or street corners. There’s a damned good chance that we’ll be playing in, on or near one of them within the next few months. What can you expect from ‘Open Letter To The Damned?’ Well, expect the sound of a man’s heart ripping in two, crossed with bouncing melodies and rhythm, and all beat senseless by the relentless fury of an unstoppable band. And if that doesn’t sounds like your cup of tea, then I know my dad just painted his house, so you might want to stop by and watch it dry. Love, -Spence

Website

http://www.asfastasmusic.com/

Band Members

Spencer Albee: Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard Andrew Hodgkins: Drums Hache Horchatta: Bass, Back Vocals Zach Jones: Lead Guitar, Back Vocals