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Focus. It's a small word, so it's easy to see why so many people miss it. There are so many things vying for our attention, that it's hard to pay attention to anything for very long. Minneapolis high-energy rock band, Fastest Turbo Fire Engine (FTFE), however is proof that it can be done. Their new album, aptly titled 'Focus' is a testament to the trials they've had to overcome and the hard work they've had to do to get this album out. This collection of songs ranges from the up tempo 'Happy' to the languid 'Fight This Down'. Every song oozes with raw emotion, chronicling the ups and downs of life. Jason Bradley (vocals and guitar) got together with Gelly (drums) and recorded a three song demo (Fastest Turbo Fire Engine- The EP). It was well received, but a full-length follow-up has been needed, if not demanded by fans. However, due to circumstances beyond their control and a number of personnel changes, it delayed the emergence of an album. They had a collection of songs recorded, but they scrapped the whole thing to start over with the full band. Kevin Patrick (guitar) and Spidey (bass) rounded out the line-up. Recording a full length disc with FTFE inspired Kevin to go do the same with the many songs he was sitting on. So, Ryan Sky (guitar) had eagerly come on board to carry on the flame until Kevin recently came back into the fold, and Daron Markk replaced Spidey. 'We just had to keep on keeping on…' says Jason. 'We couldn't take time to get down on ourselves for not having this project done. We just had to keep our eyes on the goal, burst through the obstacles before us, and put one foot in front of the other.' These songs are crafted in the pop tradition with heavy grooves and ambient passages that lace the body of these songs with delicacy. From dealing with the death of loved ones in 'Requiem' to the saving of a life in 'Past the Hollow Pretense', this album does have its emotionally heavy moments, but songs like 'Happy' and 'So Weary' tell of love, and just make one feel better about life. The common theme throughout all these songs, however, is to stay focused and keep moving through all of the challenges towards a more fulfilled life. Jason says, 'There are plenty of things to take our sights off of improving our lives. We try to fill it with meaningless stuff, instead of overcoming problems and finding meaning. These songs are all about realizing our problems, being honest with ourselves, and empowering ourselves to overcome our obstacles, rather than just complain about them.' So take the time to sit down and 'focus' on these 12 songs. You’ll be glad you did.

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