Named after “the coolest guy in town,” the new record from San Francisco’s Ian Fays arrived at Fuzz headquarters with a sticker, a postcard, and a candy necklace. Clearly, this pop quartet knows the way to our sugar-loving hearts. The love theme continues with heartbroken lyrics, bittersweet harmonies, and golden doily-heart graphics. Though it’s best not to judge a book–or band–by its cover, the Fays, in their color-coordinated pop-art outfits, actually sound as good as they look–and vice versa. Were Sassy magazine still around, editor Jane Pratt and her staffers would be all over this tuneful foursome (remember “cute drummer alert”?).
Originally from Humboldt County, the quartet consists of twins Lizz (vocals, guitar) and Sara (vocals, bass, keyboards), sister Lena (triangle, castanets, cymbals), and non-relative Bradley (drums, xylophone, programmed beats). All bear the name Fay. Lizz and Sara’s soft-spoken voices summon a blend between Kate Bush and Perro del Mar’s Sarah Assbring. According to a 2007 interview they gave to Italy’s Youthless zine, “We write everything together. No real rules though, everyone contributes ideas.” The Fays may not be a household name yet, but they’re on their way. Sample comments at their Fuzz page include, “Close, warm, and distant where it needs to be,” “It’s fun and a little freaky at the same time,” and “Fabulous. Indeed.”
For those who like a few tears mixed in with their treats, this follow-up to their 2006 lo-fi gem The Damon Letters is just the ticket. (Five songs from the hard-to-find debut are available on their Fuzz profile.) If Dylan’s Lost Years were a dessert, the album would be a box of chocolate caramels topped with sea salt. Without the calories, of course. Or the sticky fingers.
