Fastbacks

The Fastbacks were an American punk rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1979. Best known for their melodic, pop-influenced punk sound, the band released 10 studio albums and toured extensively throughout their career.

Formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Bloch, bassist Kim Warnick, and drummer Steve Wilkinson, the Fastbacks' sound was rooted in the fast-paced, energetic style of early punk pioneers like the Ramones and the Buzzcocks.

After releasing a number of singles and EPs on independent labels, the Fastbacks signed with major label Elektra Records in 1986.

Their major label debut, "The Fastbacks," was released in 1987 and spawned the college radio hit "This Is Not a Song."

The Fastbacks continued to release albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including "On Time" (1991), "Answer the Phone, Dummy" (1992), "Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth" (1994), and "Say What You Will" (2001).

Their music was characterized by its melodic hooks, catchy lyrics, and Bloch's distinctive, nasally vocals.

The Fastbacks also gained a reputation for their energetic live performances, which often featured Bloch's humorous stage banter.

A compilation album, "Maximum RocknRoll: The First 20 Years," released by Maximumrocknroll magazine in 1999, featured The Fastbacks as the first band on the CD.

The Fastbacks toured regularly throughout their career, sharing stages with bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dinosaur Jr., and Pearl Jam.

They also appeared on the compilation albums "Faster & Louder: Hardcore Punk in the USA" (1983) and "Sub Pop 200" (1988).

The Fastbacks disbanded in 2009, but reunited for a one-off show in 2016. In 2018, founding members Bloch and Warnick released a new album called "Gone But Not Forgotten," featuring previously unreleased Fastbacks recordings.

The Fastbacks were an influential band in the Seattle punk rock scene of the 1980s and 1990s.

Their melodic, pop-punk sound helped to pave the way for the grunge movement that would later emerge from the city. The band's catchy songs and energetic live shows made them a popular draw with fans and critics alike.