Fast Friends Laugh It Off In Debut EP ‘HI T LO IQ’
After notable songwriters/producers Tom Peyton, Ryan Spraker, and Frederik Thaae began writing music together in 2015, they realized (accidentally) they should start a band. Fast forward, and the trio have come together as Fast Friends releasing power-pop alt-rock on their debut EP HI T LO IQ.
On the surface, HI T LO IQ is a fast-firing alt-rock album built around catchy hooks and unfiltered production. But what really helps Fast Friends shine is their facetious and cynical songwriting, turning the stupidity and frustration of the world into cult-classic hits. The Los Angeles-based trio explore beauty standards, American politics, and apocalyptic foreshadowing on the 5-track release, wasting no time to share their anti-social views and dismal subject matter.
But despite the nihilistic attitude that hangs over the songs like a dark cloud, everything on the record was actually met with ‘strict’ guidelines. According to the band, “Lyrics only make it into songs if we laugh about how ridiculous it is that it could be a lyric in a song”.
Which is why it’s weirdly humorous to sing along to the EP’s opening line “Everybody will be forgotten” and its ridiculously catchy hook. “Everybody Will Be Forgotten” and “We Broke the World” are both very unsettling and not the happiest lyrically, but at the same time, it’s almost futile to resist singing along and accepting the fate of humanity. The band use the same recipe across the track list: infectious hooks, oddly satirical lyrics, and a fun-loving demeanour.
“Body” and “Young Hunks” play with more self-reflective issues of body image and confidence, both with anthemic choruses and the latter beaming with a surf-rock energy as they sing “All you young hunks / never grow up / please stay full of shit”. Even the short acoustic iPhone recording “Fuck Ohio” has a strange place on the record, as the band bash the “B-side” states like Ohio, Kentucky, and New Jersey.
With its bleak lyrics and pop rock energy, HI T LO IQ will leave you more nihilistic than before, but at least you’ll feel good about it.
Enjoy the tongue-in-cheek release below:
