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I'd heard a lot about The Faded - the rumors that they were tearing up the strip and that I had to see them play live. Usually, I dismiss such hype as bands rarely deserve it. After having had the opportunity to see The Faded this past week at Glamageddon, I can honestly say that the rumors do not do them justice.

Following the Peppermint Creeps is not an easy spot to fill. A late night spot after a headliner can be brutal. However, when The Faded took the stage, there was no question that they staked their claim to the audience as they set off multiple confetti cannons, filling the air first with thousands of shreds of paper and then, moments later, with the shredding guitar tones of their first song. They got my attention, but more importantly, they earned my respect. One song after another, tightly played and enthusiastically presented, made the lateness of the hour seem irrelevant. It really was that good.

Frontman, Gene Blalock, known for his bright pink hairstyle, took stage and took over. Gene's androgenous punk / glam look is balanced by an unusually childlike and intrepid voice which captivated the audience with a delightful change from the norm. An exceptional front man, Gene unquestionably seduced the crowd. Darting into the crowd, beckoning front row hands, dashing to switch guitars, grabbing t-shirts to throw to the audience, all the while singing away, Gene was no doubt in his element. The audience was glad to join him.

Lead Guitarist, Steven Damien, provided just the right mix of soaring guitar sounds and strong melodies to support Gene's vocals - an excellent musician, Steven projects a confidence in his playing that similarly invites the audience and the rest of the band to join and enjoy the music - which they did. Together with Keyboadist, Bryan J., who added just the right touches of retro analog sounds, The Faded delivered on the promise of their title of "Best Alternative Band - 2005," recently awarded by RCN. Their confidence and warmth, along with strong music and thoughtful lyrics drew everyone in for a great time.

Building energy throughout the set, The Faded waited until just the right moment at the end to throw in a crowd-pleaser. Eager fans rushed to the stage to sing along with the band's version of Billy Idol's, "Rebel Yell." After having the crowd join him in singing the final chorus, Gene left the stage, allowing his bandmates to finish the set in classic rock and roll fashion. Having seen them once, I'm sure to be back. The Faded have a well deserved reputation as one of the best live bands around. Sometimes the hype is true.

In the short time since forming, THE FADED, has risen from virtual unknowns to being hailed as The New Darlings of The Sunset Strip. As much pinups as strong musicians, its five members have truly made a name for themselves within the local music scene. Recently awarded the title of Alternative Band of the Year, The Faded have the art of the hook down so well that you cant help but see their faded view of life and love.

The Hollywood based group has fine-tuned their power-pop style in such unique ways that they have managed to completely separate themselves out from and above the rest. The five charismatic boys manage to play loud aggressive music with an accessible pop side that makes their songs relatable to virtually any age group. Add in their often over-the-top on-stage style (all posturing and play in fun), and you get a show that is both exciting and intriguing, as well as just great fun. The lyrics Gene presents by way of his distinctive voice are clever and candid. Gene is a moody soul whose voice suits the temperamental music that his band creates.

Big hooks and captivating melodies flourish on the music from synth pop / punk whiz kids, The Faded. While comparisons to nerd-rock dandies Weezer and new comers The All-American Rejects are inevitable for this fabulously named band, discerning listeners will note that above all things, this band achieves complete what few other bands can, compete originality.

Though barely old enough to legally buy an alcoholic drink, The Faded are capable songwriters, accomplished vocalists, and skilled instrumentalists. Guitar-driven and underpinned with a driving drum machine pounding out underlying backbeats, each cut on this album brims with harmonies that recall the early Who and classic Radiohead. Bolstered by the impetuous bar band bravado akin to the Replacements, Goo Goo Dolls, and Fastball in all their ragged glory, The Faded passionately render songs about girls, love, self-doubt, and youthful abandon. These four boys prove that loud guitars and a broken heart make great rock & roll! These songs marry punk, pop and 80’s charm with a clear sense of purpose and no particular loyalty to any style, taking only the best of each and arriving at a spiky, effervescent middle ground.

Singer Gene Blalock is especially convincing in his role as unfortunate lover. But on tracks like the well-developed "Losing Myself" and the highly orchestrated "Forget About The Stars," Blalock's comrades drive the whole shebang home with instrumental freight. And you'd have to be pretty hard-hearted not to find yourself echoing the sing-singy strains of "She Loves You" and "Scanning For Pink." Fans of paradoxical pop - Box Car Racer, Fountains of Wayne, and their breed should take note. A talented band destined for great things, The Faded are primed to be embraced by the masses as leaders of the new music revolution.