Jonatan Fast "Jonatan Fast" (Radiodrops
Records 2006)
Jonatan Fast, Swedish Alt-Country Rocker, derivative but
still brilliant
Its not hard to discern where Jonatan
Fast's influences lie here: his entire album positively screams "I
totally love Ryan Adams". Not that this is a criticism, he sticks to
the formular bloody well and his self-titled
debut album is seriously easy to get into. The outlook is sunny, but
still tinged with bittersweet disenchantment - heartfelt ballads about
horrible yet pretty (ex) girlfriends, and rocking numnbers
concerning his general wonderment on the concept of time and life itself. Groovy. But seriously, he has produced a gem of an album,
and the more you listen to his songs, the more they burrow themselves
into your brain and all those catchy hooks just pin themselves right in
there.
Credit must also go to the other musicians on the
album, they really do Fast's songs justice. In particular the Heavenly
backing vocals from Jennie Abrahamson, who (in keeping with the Ryan
Adams theme) seems to have modelled herself on Kim Richey. Her soft and
sugary (thats sugar,
not saccharine) compliment Fast's harder tone, especially on the haunting
"Scared", a gentle lullaby that flows over neo-industrial
clanks and rhythms. "The Meanest Girl" is another corker, which
although it sounds like it could have been lifted from Mr Adam's
"Love Is Hell" era, its still gorgeous. The brass section
deserves a mention as well, they kick ass.
So yes, this album is derivative, and there is
nothing going on in terms of stylistic originality, but the songs are quality and Fast really pulls this one off
quite well. Some songs are solid, some are beautiful, and a couple just blend nicely into the background. All
nice and peachy for a debut album.
Date review added: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 Reviewer: Sian Claire Owen Reviewers Rating:
