I've never heard of Fast Computers. I would guess they are a local favorite in their hometown of Portland, Oregon. They remind me very much of the other bands I receive from that part of the country (indie electronic...kind of space rock crammed into a pop structure). Like if Spiritualized and The Beatles had a failed abortion that grew up to be marginally attractive but socially retarded. I will admit that Fast Computers are at the more talented end of that sad spectrum, since their album DOES contain a number of listenable tunes. Even some that suggest a real knack for the kind of songwriting that separates the pretty good bands from the damn good ones. However, their album Heart Geometry, only hints at greatness without ever fully embracing it. At a few points I found myself really getting into it, when the songs were more up-tempo and the vocals were on point. Unfortunately that was never maintained through an entire track and I ended up shaking my head much more often than my booty.


Where this band excels is in concept. You can tell that their ideas aren't just good, but great. They are thinking unconventionally and spend a good deal of time on lyrics and melody. Where this band fails is in executing those concepts and realizing their full potential. The vocals on most of the tracks are best described as 'disappointing.' I don't hate it...it's just unfortunate because where their vocalist sucks on one song, another part of another track will prove he CAN hit those notes and sing with passion. Guess it depends on when you catch him. His problems are all fixable, which is surely good news. They have no strong energy or power, but also lack the cleanliness, originality and perfect pitch required to make the soft vocal sound professional. Where this band should stand out as something unique and new, it comes off as another day in amateur indie land.


This band falls into a trap music fans are seeing all too often. They seemingly put every song they have on this CD rather than the best of the best. Heart Geometry could have been trimmed down to about 6 songs, and if they spent a little time with a producer, it would result in an amazing album. 'Math Predictions' is the song that triggers the idea that maybe these guys aren't like all the other bands attempting this style of music-making, however its over 5 minutes long and should really be about half that. 'How Many Times' starts out relatively lame...er...tame, I mean. It kicks out the jams about a minute in and you'll be glad you stuck around. It's pleasant and familiar, but still original. The songs 'Designs,' 'Lives of the Stars,' and 'The New Feeling of Life' also made it on my list of noteworthy tracks, but each one contains both very strong parts and very weak parts, which reinforces the overall disappointment of the album. The title track on Heart Geometry is probably one of the best songs, with the most impressive instrumentation on the album and the kinds of harmonies that make you giggle on the inside. But, this song is also subject to the uneven style found throughout the entirety of the record.


Fast Computers stops just short of their potential at every turn. Whats stopping them? I have no idea. But once they sort it out, this band will be on a fast track for bigger, better things.