The Faults set to play Pilot Light, release new album

Chris Carpenter Staff Writer

Volume 85 Number 68 Friday, December 01, 2000

The Faults return home tonight at the Pilot Light with a new name and new album on the way, but the same great live show the band has been known for since its inception.

The group came together after the demise of the V-Roys last year as guitarist/vocalist Mic Harrison, bassist Paxton Sellers and drummer Jeff Bills recruited Ramblin' Roy guitarist Robbie Trosper into their new band.

The quartet played under the lead singer's name for months before calling themselves The Faults.

We'd been looking for a band name, something we all agreed on and thought was cool, remarks Bills. The guys have toured along with Superdrag under the new name, but return to Knoxville for their first show as The Faults.

The group's first record is scheduled for release sometime at the beginning of 2001. For those expecting to hear the third V-Roys record, think again.

The Faults most closely resembles the Roys' live shows, often 3-hour affairs of guitar-driven onslaughts, than the band's country-tinged studio recordings, thanks largely to the addition of Trosper.

Robbie brings a lot, says Bills. Great player, great guitarist, great attitude.

The record opens with the rollicking Dishonest Jenny before moving into the pure pop delight of Let the Angel Lie, featuring Superdrag's John Davis and Sam Powers on backing vocals.

The middle of the album moves from country pop (Whispering Goodbye) to Cheap Trick garage gems (Ready to Go) to all-out arena rockers (Water Town).

Queen Was Spoken emerges as the album's highlight; an infectious lyrical groove that packs a Springsteen punch in the chorus.

Harrison again mirrors The Boss on the closing Poisoned Land. The beautiful campfire ballad offers hope and despair, admittance and acceptance over a perfect acoustic accompaniment.

Overall, The Faults first effort is a terrific blend of pop, rock and country that takes the best moments of the V-Roys, an obvious ode to Davis and Superdrag (who has helped create two great records this year and now heads into the studio with that other Roy, Scott Miller), and the muscle and might of Harrison's musical vision. It is wonderful.

The band plays at the Pilot Light tonight with The Shine at 9 p.m.