If you press play and think the voice sounds familiar, you’re not wrong. Fast Kids is the new solo project from Mike Brandon, best known for fronting his ’60s-leaning garage outfit The Mystery Lights. As Fast Kids, Brandon leans into his love of power pop, landing somewhere between the punch of The Whiffs and the gritty pulse of his main band. The songwriting pulls from both worlds—the urgency and jangle of power pop, paired with vocals that carry a naturally haunted garage edge.

That combination gives tracks like (my personal favorite) Too Busy Hatin’ To Understand Love a timeless snap, even with its contemporary message. It’s part of a strong opening run that starts with the single-ready My Advice and continues into the Nerves-esque powerpop’n’roll of Love Parlay.

The B-side wanders a bit further from straight power pop but still delivers—especially the melancholic glow of Goodbye and a handful of well-crafted hooks. Across the whole record you get plenty of tasty basslines and guitar licks sharp enough to chew on. The ingredients may feel familiar, but the way Brandon arranges them makes Fast Kids Forever feel exciting and fresh.

And while I hope Turn Off The Lights isn’t hinting at The Mystery Lights calling it quits, I’m fully onboard on the Fast Kids hype train. LP available to order now from Lolipop Records, shipping early January. It’s not on Bandcamp, but I think the album is available on most streaming services.

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