The moniker The Fast Sails evokes the imagery of travel,
movement, distance and progression. Perhaps that is why vocalist and songwriter
Simone Snaith chose it as her new musical identity following
several years in the post-hardcore rock band Wallace. Freed from the anarchy
and aural intensity of the band, Snaith is now able to explore the folk and
new wave artists that so heavily formed her musical upbringing.
The
petit half-Jamaican, Baton Rouge native was raised by musician parents who
played in new wave and punk bands throughout Snaith's childhood. This played
a major influence in the lives of both Snaith and older brother, actor Shane
West, who recently portrayed The Germs' Darby Crash in the film 'What We Do
Is Secret'. She has since brought her affinity for The Clash and Kate Bush
to California where she has been a resident for over 10 years. On her new
EP The Wayside, Snaith both celebrates
and chastises the city of Los Angeles, which she currently calls home.
On
the mandolin-led folk and title track "Wayside" she bemoans the
music club's treatment of musicians with the lyrics, "So we need fifty
in a crowd or/ we don't get paid we aren't allowed oh/ I'll play the sidewalk
for free for as along as I can/ I promise to get up and sing". The song
ends with a glorious refrain celebrating the never-ending stream of ambition
and youth into the city, an import that will forever be a part of California's
identity.
Snaith is also quick to defend her adopted hometown
from the misconceptions of outsiders as well. The pop song "The City"
is laden with a driving beat and edgy synths that cut through the chorus while
Snaith declares, "We don't deal in movie stars/ your stories of us are
false". The song is an honest homage to Los Angeles that is both a source
of strength and inspiration for its residents and subject to "those who
come with ideas predisposed".
The EP is not just about
personal or geographical politics, however. Snaith explores a failed relationship
in the lyrics and mood of "The Line", a heartbreaking near-ballad
that simultaneously teeters on the brink of dance music, while she examines
a lover who feels he must choose his art over his partner. Then there are
the whimsical frustrations of "Time", where Snaith questions the
rat race of every day living and its impact on ones ability to remain creative.
The
breadth of The Wayside is large for four songs, each containing
their own stylistic elements and narrative; the net that is cast by the compositions
is sweeping. But each song belongs to Snaith and is uniquely hers. With the
horizon open wide, there's no telling how far these sails will carry
her.
