CHECK OUT TIM'S T3FA WEBSITE at http://members.tripod.com/~t3fa/
Visit the Official Authorized Fig Dish Page
Visit The Ness Site

CAVIAR

"Guileless lyrics, snappy hooks and tfa's versatile and powerful attack marry to create a worthy post-punk successor to the meld of hard rock and pop that marked the greatest records by Cheap Trick."
-- Chicago Reader

Check out this review of tfa's 1.31.98 show at The Metro, Chicago


SonicNet Cybercast of tfa's CBGB show
On the web, go to http://www.sonicnet.com/cybercasts/

Chicago's TRIPLE FAST ACTION delivers a crushing pack of intense, supercharged rock on CATTLEMEN DON'T, blowing the doors off their acclaimed 1996 debut "Broadcaster." As varied sonically as it is emotionally, Cattlemen Don't builds on a balance of energy, melody, dynamics and harmony. The record is graced with the irresistible hook and infectious undertone of "Heroes," the deceptive impact and glowing guitars of "I'm Ready," the passionate and endearing ballads "Eurogirl," "Bearer of Bad News" and "Cattlemen Don't" and the raging adrenaline rock of "Pure" and "No Doubt."

What separates TRIPLE FAST ACTION so far from the pack of alterna-clones is their polished yet unrestrained songwriting. Their trademark searing rock highs and delicate, textured lows create mesmerizing tempos that rise and fall much like a rollercoaster, never ending without bringing in the noise.

This startling dynamic combined with their savvy guitar-play and Wes Kidd's charred, expressive vocals give the band its thoughtful, electric personality. And on command, Wes' soft and soulful voice has the impressive ability to turn into a well-oiled, screaming rage machine. TRIPLE FAST ACTION has achieved the improbable...where punk velocity, radio-ready hooks, indie spirit and arena rock glory cross paths and even stop to shake hands.

Cattlemen Don't is a candy store of intelligently crafted rock music that will leave aspiring guitar teens drooling. Plus a live show that does not disappoint -- at all. Listen for the thunder...

TRIPLE FAST ACTION formed in January 1993 and played their first show at Chicago's Cubby Bear in the shadow of Wrigley Field and quickly earned a great deal of notoriety among Windy City tastemakers for their extraordinary musicianship and graceful yet raw performances. Wes and Brian, who have played together since junior high, were members of Chicago teen punk legends Rights Of The Accused. Scott Lucas, who is also one-half of Local H, recently joined TRIPLE FAST ACTION on guitar.

TRIPLE FAST ACTION's second full-length record Cattlemen Don't was produced by John Agnello (Jawbox, Chavez, Camber, Dinosaur Jr., Walt Mink) who also mixed their debut Broadcaster (Capitol, 1996). They've toured the nation with Everclear, Veruca Salt, , Fig Dish, Supergrass, Local H and Menthol among others.

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Check out this review:
Triple Fast Action Record Release Party, Thurstons - Chicago, Illinois
November 28, 1997
Written by: Jeff Keele

Some 400 people jammed into this cramped little warehouse club in
anticipation of the return of one of Chicago's favorite alterna-bands --
Triple Fast Action. Having mysteriously dropped their allegiance to
Capitol Records, the band found itself out shopping for a label deal.
Without the support of local radio or a major label, the band suddenly
found many doors being shut in their faces. They however persevered, and
with the help of their loyal manager Dave Frey (Silent Partner
Management) went forth with the recording of new material. The new
material turned into a full album of very Euro-sounding pop. The new
album is "Cattlemen Don't" on New York's Deep Elm Records (a label which
features Nada Surf and Walt Mink among others). The new album is laced
with the Euro-inspired influences of bassist Kevin Tihista, a
self-proclaimed Beatles and Supergrass nut. Complete with the
unbelievable angst of Wes Kidd on vocals and an unstoppable rhythm
section of Brian St. Claire on drums and Tihista on bass. Missing from
Friday night's lineup was guitarist Ronnie Schneider. Ronnie is no
longer with the band but has been replaced by Scott Lucas, leader of
Chicago's hard rockin' Local H (Island Records). As the band took the
stage amid some sincere applause, Lucas proclaimed "I am Triple Fast
Action" and the band quickly tore through a red hot version of Pink
Floyd's "Time." The band played a set that was full of songs from both
their Capitol debut "Broadcaster" as well as the new album. I personally
was very pleased to hear a long overdue "Los Lomas" from the earlier
days. The band did "Revved Up" sans Nina Gordon on backup vocals. From
the new album, "If" was a real crowd-pleaser. The song features a
typical Wes Kidd undersung brooding beginning with the brightest and
catchiest hooks you have ever heard. The crowd caught on quickly and
knew just when to yell "If! If! If!". The song features a nifty little
effect that Wes plays with. Unfortunately I am not familiar with the
name, but I can tell you the premise. By placing his foot near an
antenna coming from the pedal, he is able to get a wacky feedbacky sound
through the amp. Very 90's! Other highlights from the set included an
enthusiastic "Duck and Run" with Kidd's classic line about being out all
night partying while the world around him safely sleeps...."So go ahead
and check into my pockets, you'll see I'm out of money and I'm out of
topics, F*ck it!" The band left the stage to loud cheering and returned
to do two encores. The first was a nice version of their song
"Superstar" (although the band Mud still does my favorite version of the
song). They ended their set with a real good song called "Bearer of Bad
News". Unfortunately the decision to finish this very up evening with a
slower song was a mistake. The crowd that had so eagerly begged for
encores found itself suddenly fumbling for their car keys midway through
the song. All in all it was a triumphant return for a very hard-working
Chicago band. Hopefully they haven't shot themselves in the foot by
leaving Capitol Records. Only time will tell if the Corporate Rock game
will let them step up to the plate again. It should be noted that while
Scott Lucas is a great guitarist ("an idiot savant on guitar"), the
fills of Ronnie Schneider will definitely be missed. Lucas makes the
band more of a chord band than before, but that does add for some
crunchy hooks. Lucas admittedly adds much energy to an already active
band. Besides, I can't really fault a guy who brought me a copy of his
"Disgruntled Christmas" to a Menthol show a few years back. Lucas seems
to have a great rapport with Kidd on stage. The fact that Triple Fast
Action, Local H and Fig Dish have all toured together has really made
the members of each band more energetic and more well-rounded and more
compatible with one another. Until next time -- keep the rock alive!

Copyright © 1995 - 1998 Concert Direct. All Rights Reserved.

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This review appeared in the March 10 issue of the UIC Flame, "Inferno" arts section.

Cattlemen Don't
Triplefastaction
Deep Elm Records

Bored of Rock and Roll? Feeling let down with the absence of music that makes your ass shake without employing sequencers or samplers? Pining away for the days when rock was a blood, sweat and tears twenty-four hour a day job for a band? Triplefastaction have your remedy with their second full-length release titled, "Cattlemen Don't."

After leaving Capitol records ... Deep Elm picked the boys up, allowing them to release what just might've been the best rock album to come out of Chicago (or anywhere else) in the last year. Buzzing Cheap Trick hooks and singing that veers from Wes Kidd's sweet tenor to his anguished yelps buttered on top of slabs of rock solid songwriting would put Triplefastaction at the top of the heap in a more perfect world. Unfortunately all they have to depend on is the hope that some people still care about the music. Anthemic without resorting to cliché, powerful without going cock-rock and sensitive without being trite, this is the album that restores faith in the inventiveness and still flowing lifeblood of an old-fashioned guitar band. Excellent.

By Jim Kopeny

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Yet another review:

I saw triplefast on Sat., April 11, at the Fireside Bowl. Incredible! I never saw them before but listened often. I was waiting for duck and run, one of my favorites -- and was quite fulfilled. Blake from fig dish filled in on guitar. They use great pedals: mxr phase 100 (like matt from Hum) and mxr flanger, which I think I'm gonna buy now.

Here's the setlist:

i'm ready/pure/duck and run/if/cheery/heroes/bearer of bad news/ then they played some cover song for like a minute. Someone said it was called rocket in the sand. Can anyone help me out here?/ revved up/ eurogirl/superstar/encore: anna
after like 6 mins of superstar, wes destroyed one his guitar. I mean smashed; I took pics & I hope they come out. It was an old gibson les paul jr. Well, it was well worth the trouble I got in when I got home late. I'd go see 'em again in a heartbeat. -- Jim

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