Vancouver trio The R.E.S.E.A.R.C.H. return with “Fast Forward,” a tightly wound, garage rock-inflected indie pop track that balances restless momentum with unexpected emotional weight. Built on sharp, angular riffs, an effortless groove, and an instantly catchy hook, the song feels purpose built for repeat listens. Sonically, “Fast Forward” pulls from the cool detachment of Gorillaz, the punchy urgency of early Strokes cuts, and the danceable, arty swagger of Franz Ferdinand. The production is clean but kinetic, allowing each element to breathe while keeping the energy consistently high.
What gives the track its real resonance, though, is the contrast between the song itself and the artist’s own story. Inspired by personal loss and the memory of a supportive, loving connection, “Fast Forward” transforms grief into something bright and propulsive. Rather than dwelling in melancholy, the band channels it into forward momentum, and “Fast Forward” stands on its own as an act of creative survival that makes the song hit harder beneath its upbeat surface. It’s a confident, emotionally grounded release that proves The R.E.S.E.A.R.C.H. know how to craft pop-forward alt rock with both heart and bite, and it contains the promise of a lot of future potential for this trio.
