If you loved The Beat in the early ’80s, and your taste hasn’t changed dramatically, The Reflectors is one of your favorite new bands. Without a doubt. Pure Power Pop Heaven!

Frontman James Carman explains how Faster Action was created.

How did this record come together?

After our first release, we immediately got back on track and started writing more – and then a pandemic happened. In the middle of all of that, it gave us a lot of time to focus on our writing while also going through the troubles of the pandemic. Times were tough for all of us in the band. We endured emotion on so many levels, each of us in our own way. Playing music and writing was our outlet, so we worked hard and got back in the studio to track our music.

How great is the urge to stay creative? To keep writing songs and lyrics?

Inspiration fuels the urge to be creative, and finding inspiration is so important when you’re an artist. I used to write a bunch of poetry about things that inspired me. I think that has helped me lyrically, especially when it comes to writing and shaping my vocals. It’s essential to stay inspired, or you’ll lose that drive to be creative.

Cassettes are back. Which 5 five songs would make your first mixtape?

The Jesus and Mary Chain – Head On
Buzzcocks – Get On Our Own
Manic Street Preachers – Stay Beautiful
Cheap Trick – Come On, Come On
The Three O’Clock – I Go Wild

The meaning of success has changed over the years. What would success look like for the new record?

We’re thrilled as long as people are listening and enjoying our record. We hope the record can reach as many listeners as possible!

You can’t control the way people ‘hear’ your music. But if you could make them aware of certain aspects, you think, set your songs apart. What would they be?

I think we are very melodic and upbeat, so if I were to tell a listener what to pay attention to who has never heard my music before… I would say listen to the tempo and lyrics along with the melodic harmonies and riffs.