The Past Times' name reflects the shrewdly perceptive lyrics, twisted with nostalgia, penned by songwriter and band frontman, Patrick Lyons. Lyons' schoolmates, Matt Fulks and Caleb Cook, soon joined him playing bass and keyboard (respectively) and contributed background vocals. The three devoted every moment they could squeeze out of their packed work and school schedules, to develolping their style. Influenced by bands like Kings of Leon, The Cars, The Strokes, Muse, and My Morning Jacket they scratched out several rough but spirited songs. They still needed a solid drummer, however, that could support their robust tone. The answer was found in Lyons’ older brother. Jonathan Lyons (who received his first drum set at age 3, a collection or cardboard cylinders emblazoned with "The Boss").
When the basement could no longer contain their muscular sound they decided to start playing around town. After acquiring an instant following they recorded the City_A_Blaze EP, which included band members’ favorites, This Side of Nowhere, City_A_Blaze, and Whirlwind. Recorded and mastered by Jonathan, the selected songs are an intermingling of insightful lyrics, sharp grooves, and soulful riffs.
This Side of Nowhere, one of the band’s earliest songs, was written shortly after the death of the Lyons’ grandfather, Charles Scott. Born and raised in Casey County, Kentucky Scott did not escape his hometown. The combination of salvaged materials from a dilapidated schoolhouse, combined with calloused hands and a hopeful heart formed the foundations of his home in rural Kentucky. The love for one’s hometown isn’t lost on The Past Times’ members. One would be hard pressed to find Louisvillians more charmed by their city's southern hospitality and artistry. Other songs like Back On The Map, which is about revitalizing Louisville's music scene, and Whirlwind, which describes a irrepressible passion for the city, fondly describe the place where all four bandmates were raised.
This type of adornment for the past and appreciation of one's roots, reminiscent of childhood with the insight of early adulthood, is what makes The Past Times' creations both distinctive and compelling.
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James White of Music Entertainment Magazine says "They're well on their way playing songs like Back on the Map, Whirlwind, Aviation, Sweat of Summer, and crowd favorite, This Side of Nowhere, which incorporates great guitar leads and deep lyrics that leave audiences wanting more."
