Faster

Matt & Rich formed a prototype Faster in 1996 in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire. The plan was to get together in Matts parents garage and play some Nirvana and Joy Division covers as well as the odd Radiohead tune if their talents would stretch to it. They soon realised that, while playing other peoples songs was fun, it was nothing compared to the enjoyment to be had in playing their own. It therefore seemed only sensible to write some. After a few years knocking about like this with Matts dad occasionally turning up in the garage rather pointedly wearing ear defenders - they decided it would be a good idea to get a singer. In the summer of 1998 Brendan joined. Faster were now officially a three piece. More people in the band meant more ideas for songs and it was a golden age of writing for the band. The only problem was they had no drummer so for now it was simply more practice in the garage. Matts dad, of course, loved this. * In 1998 Brendan moved to London. The music scene there was so strong that pretty soon the band had a drummer and Matt and Rich were commuting each weekend to practice. The Red-Eye was their London debut with the Bull & Gate following swiftly after. Over the next few years first Matt, then Rich, also moved to the capital, both growing heartily sick of sleeping on Brendans floor each weekend. Faster carried on gigging regularly, gaining a reputation for confident, energetic live shows. Occasionally they would be joined by Victoria Sill on flute and keyboards. * Faster are an alt-rock four piece whos influences come from pretty much all across contemporary music. They like a lot of nineties stuff with a particular fondness for Nirvana, Sonic Youth and Pavement. Their music often contains a strong dynamic element and they like their feedback. However, their music has always been melody driven and at the heart of every Faster tune is a good song. Faster have been told by a number of people that they sound like The Wedding Present. Having finally got round to listening to them a year or so ago they have decided that this is a good thing. * As if playing in Faster didn't take up enough of their time Matt and Rich play guitar, drums and bass in folk-pop outfit Portsunlight while Matt plays drums with blues pop pioneers, Paintings of Ships. Brendan currently doesn't feel the need to spend any more of his life carrying amplifiers around.