Customer Reviews

The Pain of Beauty - Fastback

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The Pain of Beauty is GREAT ! Everyone should experience this musical journey put on by Michael Thomas, THE best guitar player/vocalist I have ever laid my pretty brown eyes on! Some serious groovn' rock GREAT musician-ship, so very talented! All tracks will keep you begging for more This cd is a must for all!! Enjoy! Miss Kelly

This is a nonstop a$$-kicking, head banging, riff ripping party for your ears! Are you someone who loved 80's hairbands but wanted a little more substance and credibility? You've found it. Plain and simple, this is the best combination of hard driving beats, poignant and inspiring fretwork, sing-a-long choruses and good clean fun I've had the pleasure to pop into my stereo in eons. Kudos to Michael Thomas and Brian Saunders (their backgrounds & more are on their site: [...] ) for creating an amazing record! Also, before I get into the review, I must report that these guys and rest of the band put on a phenomenal, entertaining live show. Michael commands huge stage presence, Brian's leads soar out of his axe like an eagle and the energy that all four members create churn around the stage like a category 5 metal storm. If you appreciate fine musicianship and showmanship SEE THIS BAND... Onto the review!

The cover works, the picture inside works (perfect for autographs) and well, how can one argue the interior graphic of the devil-type girl encircled with lyrics. Rock! I normally would gripe about the length of the disc, however, I have no complaints for one simple reason. I like every single track! I'd rather have a 33-minute onslaught of great tunes than a 60-minute journey into obscure and un-interesting muck like many bands put out today.

Step Up: This is an excellent choice to commence the barrage of fist-pumping, anthemic tunes that awaits! Heavy, check! Catchy, check! Cool solo, check! I absolutely love this song. My only complaint is that I want it to be titled "It's On!"
Pretty n Dead: If rock is dead someone forgot to tell Fastback! Ladies... Gentlemen... start your engines... From the initial rev to the simulated wreck, this is a 2 ½ min. powerhouse of a song! I find it Marilyn Manson-esque though noticeably more melodic.
Independent: The main riff rocks and reminds me a little of Beautiful Creatures (one of Michael's former bands) in style. This has hit written all over it and it'll inspire you to speed. `Nuff said!
Spiders: Again, the intro lick (tone, effect) reminds me of Beautiful Creatures; there is one key difference. Fastback is more universally enjoyable. Michael's voice is better and more versatile. I love BC but if you listen to the embarrassing vocals on the last track of "Deuce" you'll hear what I mean.
Dig: I love this! The updated, hook-laden and oft elusive power ballad. Meaningful lyrics and a vein I'd like to see present day Motley Crue tap back into. Flawless!
Find A Way: Slightly filtered vocals and a crunchy, plodding groove get # 6 brewing into another memorable song. "Take a ride," indeed!
Friend of Mine: I really dig this song. It's a little slower-paced but the vocal mix and the ever present, Slash-ala-"Sweet Child" guitar styling keeps me pulled in.
Goodbye To You: My favorite song period! I defy you not to crank this up, put the pedal to the metal and sing along until you're hoarse! He!! yeah!
Sound of Silence: Yep, Simon and Garfunkel... I didn't know what to expect, but seriously, this is a totally surprise and cool rendition! Punk-tinged and truly inspired.
Halo: Alice In Chains meets Fastback. Don't cringe, I promise it works! Good lyrics, melodies and a nice acoustic change of pace.

I'm glad Fastback chose the path less followed. Thank you for reviving good hard rock, complete with riveting but relevant solos to boot! "Light it up, hit the switch, grind all the gears & kick the b!tch!"