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An overdue live show in Berkeley with Fastball

 This last Thursday I finally made it out to see a live show after several months. Recently I've started working with Wolves In Argyle, Steve Moriarty of The Gits' new band. So far very few shows have been hard to attend due to distance and public transportation. In this case everything worked out in my favor - the show was nearby, I had the evening off and they happened to be opening for Fastball!

 Being a long time music junkie I was totally familiar with Fastball but could only think of their main hit "The Way." I thought they were one hit wonders, and maybe even "one trick ponies" so to speak. But boy was I wrong!

 But before I get to Fastball, let me start from the very beginning.  

 I arrived early and it happened to be sound check for Wolves In Argyle. The venue was a trip for me since I used to go there several years ago on a regular basis. Except it was a completely different place, a nautical themed bar with pool tables, a juke box and a pool room. The pool room is now the venue area with the stage and a separate entrance. Walking into the main bar entryway I would have never recognized the place. It was incredibly busy and I felt like I stuck out compared to the clientele that now patronizes this bar. Once I made my way to the actual venue part I felt more at home with the lighting and tattooed people. 

 WIA was doing a great sound check and I quickly realized that as good as their recorded work is they are the best to experience live. Once they finished I said hello, got a gin and tonic and found my spot and sat and talked to other music fans (which I absolutely love doing). As the room filled up the music got louder and louder and the lights got dimmer and dimmer. WIA opened their set with some new songs from upcoming "Northern Lies." LP.


 Pretty quickly after their set came Fastball. Sometimes I find myself with unexpected expectations about the kind of show I am going to see. Truth is I knew next to nothing about their body of music, and now that I have a better idea, I think these guys are an underappreciated presence in music. Not only did they have multiple hits I forgot about ("Out of my mind", "You're an ocean", "Sooner or later"). There was even one song ("Fire Escape") I thought for the longest time (up until that night) was the Foo Fighters. You can't see me right now but I'm hanging my head in shame for this misunderstanding. LOL *Sigh* 

  Bands like The Black Keys and The Arctic Monkeys both owe credit to bands like Fastball. The songs from their newest album "Step into light" sounded great and really like a return to form but with even more talent to bring. 



Show pictures can be found below!








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