In the bustling musical landscape of Toronto, one band has consistently stood out with their captivating sound and emotive lyricism – Fast Romantics. Since 2017, this six-piece ensemble has been on a relentless journey across North America, leaving a trail of devoted fans in their wake. Fast Romantics’ ascent to recognition and gained momentum when NPR hailed their hit song “Julia” as “triumphant,” propelling them unexpectedly into Apple’s top ten. Over three years of touring, the band honed their craft, perfecting a larger-than-life live show that became synonymous with their unique brand of irresistible pop hooks. Frontman Matthew Angus, with his personal and emotive approach to lyricism, became the driving force behind the band’s magnetic appeal. The onset of the pandemic presented a challenging yet transformative period for Fast Romantics. Singers and partners Matthew Angus and Kirty found themselves creatively charged, penning a treasure trove of new material. In response to the peculiar times, they released the reflective album “Pick It Up” without the customary tour or promotion, selecting songs solely for their ability to encapsulate the moment. Amidst this, a collection of songs took shape, marking what Angus fondly refers to as “the record I’ve been trying to make for a decade.” Throughout 2021, Angus and Kirty rekindled collaborations with band members and enlisted the expertise of producers Marcus Paquin and Gus Van Go. Murray Lightburn, frontman and producer of The Dears, joined the creative journey, adding his distinct touch to the album. The band offers an introduction to their LP with their latest single, “Smoke + Lightning.” A track from their fourth LP, “Happiness + Euphoria,” the song is accompanied by a visually stunning video directed by Raven Shields and the band themselves. “Smoke + Lightning” delves into the intricate and contemplative realms that Fast Romantics fearlessly explore. Kirty takes the lead, her ethereal vocals conveying a dream-like experience. Reflecting on the song, she shares, “‘Smoke + Lightning’ was written during a time that I felt like I was being swallowed up in the most vivid dreams every night. It started to blur my waking hours with a twisted, colorful dream life in my sleeping hours. This song is filled with stream-of-consciousness words and images that made up those dreams.” As Fast Romantics continue to evolve and unravel the layers of their musical journey, “Smoke + Lightning” serves as a testament to their ability to capture the essence of human experience through music. With a decade-long dream on the horizon, the band has delivered a record that promises to be a culmination of their artistic endeavors and a milestone in their musical legacy.
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