AOV04 FAST TIMES « COME DOWN » CD/LP

	Is it punk or is it hardcore? Who cares? Since 1997, Fast Times has been playing aggressive, energetic music that echos the influence of bands like Minor Threat, SSD, and Negative Approach. After self releasing a 5 song demo, they were signed to Smorgasbord Records, a label with roots that trace back over 12 years and lisenced to The Age Of Venus Records for Europe and Japan. Their latest 17 song release, "Counting Down" succeeds their 1998 7", "Where were You", which is in its third pressing at the time of this article. Ali's vocal style commands attention as she belts out lyrics that address issues such as abuse, following your heart, and the punk ethic.
	Between releases, Fast Times stays involved in the studio by contributing to compilations such as Punk Uprisings (California) "Incompatible", Reflections (Holland) "Fight the World, Not Each Other"- a Seven Seconds tribute comp, and Vicious Circle's (Virginia) SSD tribute comp.  Ali also collaborates with Kid Dynamite and Andy of Kill Your Idols in "Three's a Party", a song on the latest Kid Dynamite cd, "Shorter, Faster, Louder". The dedication of Ali, Chris, Graham, and Steve has taken them to 12 different countries, and across the USA. "Tour, take me away" is their motto, as Fast Times intends to take their music around the world and back.

	Because the Fast Times sound walks the line between punk and hardcore, they have been able to open for a wide array of bands such as The Misfits, Motorhead, Samiam, Underdog, Up Front, Dio, Kreator, and Agnostic Front. The crux of this band is their impressive live performance, and if there is a scene wherever you are, Fast Times will find it ! They're sure to be coming soon to a town near you.