Since forming in early 2011, Brooklyn indie garage quartet Fast Years have alongside Howler and have been compared to London’s critically acclaimed The Vaccines.
With a sound that is self-described as a mixture of 80’s punk, surf pop and indie garage, Fast Years are quickly making a name for themselves as their recent free single ‘Young Heart’ has been receiving from a number of outlets including NME, Hype Machine and now Already Heard.
We recently caught up with the band to find out more about Fast Years, their influences, future plans and more.
Already Heard: Can you tell us your name and role in Fast Years?
Fast Years: I’m Micah and play guitar and contribute vocals.
AH: Could you give us a brief history about the band?
Fast Years: We were all in various NY bands before, and eventually we came together (through mutual friends) to form Fast Years in Bushwick, Brooklyn during the Spring of 2011.
AH: How would you describe your sound and who is it influenced by?
Fast Years: We play a mix of 80’s punk, surf pop, and indie garage. Sort of a vintage sound, reverb, distortion…harmonies are key. We’re influenced by a lot of bands; The Beatles, The Sonics, Superdrag, The Exploding Hearts, The Vaccines…just to name a few.
AH: You recently released a free single called ‘Young Heart’. What can you tell us about the single?
Fast Years: We’re really proud of that song. Its a great mix of everything this band is about…and it will definitely be featured on our upcoming EP this Spring.
AH: How has the response been to the track?
Fast Years: Amazing so far. NME mentioned us as a RADAR Band Tip of The Day, and the song was played on Amazing Radio and New To Q in the UK. The track also hit #14 on HYPE MACHINE the week of its release.
AH: You received praised from various media outlets for the single including NME. How does it feel to receive praise so early on?
Fast Years: It feels fantastic and very encouraging. We especially love the feedback from the UK as we’re all big fans of the British music scene.
AH: The single is going to be followed up by an EP in the spring. What can we expect to hear from it?
Fast Years: More catchy tunes…guitar music you can dance to. Probably around 5 songs.
AH: Why should people give Fast Years a listen?
Fast Years: Guitar bands are making a comeback! The more people who start listening and requesting guitar music the better. Plus, our songs will get stuck in your head.
AH: You’ve been compared to bands such as The Vaccines and Howler. What are your thoughts on this?
Fast Years: We are huge fans of both those bands, so its flattering to be compared to them. We actually just opened for Howler in Brooklyn last month. Great guys.
AH: Being a garage punk band in Brooklyn. Are there any similar up and coming bands from the area we should know about?
Fast Years: Definitely, there are so many. Check out Clouder, Shark? and Easter Vomit.
AH: Do you have any final words to close the interview?
Fast Years: Thanks very much for supporting us and helping to get the word out about our music. We plan to release more songs very soon, so LIKE us on Facebook and follow our Twitter account for all the updates.
‘Young Heart’ by Fast Years is available as a free download on Bandcamp.
Fast Years links: Facebook|Twitter|Bandcamp
Words by Sean Reid