THE FAD
self-titled (Lo-Fi)
Reviewed by Alan Wright

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The Fad are a newish NYC band that are making some very good Modish-powerpop sounds. With echoes of the Who and the Jam, this trio have hooks and a decidedly retro style going, both musically and appearance wise. Dressed in matching black suit jackets and white turtlenecks, they harken back to some of the '80s best neo-garage bands. They also cite the Beatles, the Kinks and the Sonics as big influences, and that certainly is apparent in their sound. I also hear a sound akin to '80s bands the Mod Fun and 27 Various. While the label is called Lo-Fi, this isn't really that lo-fi in sound, it's quite well recorded (at Brooklyn's famed Coyote Studio, whose clients include the Fleshtones, Dictators, The Swingin' Neckbreakers and many more) and yet captures and energy, and especially drummer Anthony DeCarlos' Keith Moon-inspired drumming comes across really well. Singer/guitarist and bassist Michael Pisano cowrote most of the songs, and standouts include the very catchy "Anyhow" and the fuzzed-out "Bad Connection." DeCarlos even gets a credit for the EP opener, the cryptic "103." Yes, this is quite good and I can't wait to hear more!

[Pick this up at www.lofientertainment.com.]

© 2003 - Alan Wright