The band consists of Clark Baechle, Todd Fink (formerly known as Todd Baechle), and Joel Petersen. They signed to Saddle Creek Records and released a few singles, but were unable to establish widespread sales, though they were extremely popular in the Omaha-area. After adding Matt Bowen, The Faint released Media, which established them within a small, national community of fans. While touring, Bowen left and was replaced by Jacob Thiele who helped move the next album, Blank-Wave Arcade, towards a more dance and electronica influenced sound. The album was an underground hit. Partway through the creation of the morose Danse Macabre, The Faint added Dapose, a death metal guitarist formerly of LEAD. Danse Macabre was also a critical and commercial success and has helped to establish a wider fanbase for the band. Their 4th album, released in 2004, is called Wet from Birth.
In 2002 bassist Joel Petersen released the first album from his solo project, Broken Spindles, and he has since released two subsequent albums and had a U.S. tour. Guitarist Dapose also has a side-project, Vverevvolf Grehv, releasing his first album in 2008.
On December 12th, 2005, The Faint announced that they have moved out of The Orifice (a rented out warehouse they used to record Wet from Birth) and into ENAMEL, a 100-year-old building where they recorded the tracks for their next album, Fasciinatiion.
1995 | Sine Sierra (Norman Bailer) | Lumberjack
1998 | Media | CD Saddle Creek [LBJ-21]
1999 | The Faint / Ex-Action Figures (split) | 7» Saddle Creek [LBJ-25]
1999 | Blank-Wave Arcade | LP/CD Saddle Creek [LBJ-29]
2000 | Blank-Wave Arcade Remixes | 12»PD Saddle Creek [LBJ-33]
2001 | Danse Macabre | LP/CD Saddle Creek [LBJ-37]
2001 | Mote / Dust | 12»EP Gold Standard Laboratories [GSL 47]
2001 | Agenda Suicide | CDS Fierce Panda [NING 117]
2003 | Danse Macabre Remixes | 3LP/CD Astralwerks [ASC 83269]
2003 | The Conductor | 12»EP Astralwerks [ASC 83862]
2004 | I Disappear | 12»/CDS Saddle Creek [LBJ-66]
2004 | Wet From Birth | LP/CD Saddle Creek [LBJ-67]
2004 | Desperate Guys Saddle Creek
2008 | The Geeks Were Right Blank.wav
2008 | Fasciinatiion Blank.wav
Call Call
The Faint Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In case there'll be time to visit stars
The bright lights aren't on, but I'm awake
Now nervous your voice sounds on the phone
You were clean when you checking were out at the desk
Volition and choice that I've removed
And I'll be beside you at the time
Call (call)
Call (call)
The thought kept you home while I was gone
I left you a note when you woke up
Don't be alarmed, I wouldn't split
Upon being here for you to...
Call (call)
Call (call)
It's useless, forget I messed up your airs
So tempting, for all last patience has
So I'm for coldness, blaming luck
For warning, is there no need to...
Call (call)
Call (call)
The Faint's song Call Call is a complex and layered exploration of detachment, longing, and the effects of addiction. The opening lines of "I sleep on the white, tile lobby floor / In case there'll be time to visit stars" suggest that the singer is sleeping in a public place, perhaps due to homelessness or drug use. The line "The bright lights aren't on, but I'm awake" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the singer is alert and aware even in a dimly lit environment. The following lines introduce a sense of unease, with the singer describing the nervous tone of another person's voice on the phone. This sense of uncertainty is compounded by the line "Volition and choice that I've removed," implying that the singer has exerted some kind of control over the person on the other end of the line.
The chorus, which consists simply of the word "call," adds to the sense of distance and disconnection in the song. The repeated refrain suggests that the singer is waiting for some kind of contact from the other person, but that contact never comes. The second verse introduces the idea that the other person may be struggling with addiction, with the line "The thought kept you home while I was gone" suggesting that the person is in withdrawal. The singer leaves a note, assuring the other person that they won't abandon them, but there's a sense of futility in the line "It's useless, forget I messed up your airs." The song ends with the singer blaming luck for their situation, suggesting that they feel powerless and trapped.
Overall, Call Call is a haunting and introspective song that explores themes of addiction, isolation, and loss. The use of repetition and sparse instrumentation gives the song a sense of immediacy and urgency, while the cryptic lyrics invite multiple interpretations. Whether seen as a lament for a lost relationship or a commentary on the toll of addiction, the song is a powerful example of The Faint's ability to blend introspection and genre-bending experimentation.
Line by Line Meaning
I sleep on the white, tile lobby floor
I'm waiting for you to call, even if I have to lay on the hard, cold floor.
In case there'll be time to visit stars
I'm hopeful that if I wait long enough, we'll be able to have a brighter future together.
The bright lights aren't on, but I'm awake
I'm staying alert and ready for your call, even though it hasn't come yet.
Now nervous your voice sounds on the phone
I can tell that you're anxious or uncertain about calling me, which makes me worried too.
You were clean when you checking were out at the desk
You left without a trace or explanation, which makes me wonder what happened.
Volition and choice that I've removed
I feel responsible for driving you away or taking away your power to make your own decisions.
And I'll be beside you at the time
I still care about you and want to be there for you if you need me.
But I'll have to wait 'til I can...
Unfortunately, I can't force you to call me or come back to me. All I can do is wait.
Call (call)
This recurring refrain represents my longing for you to reach out to me.
The thought kept you home while I was gone
I suspect that you're avoiding me or staying away because of something I did wrong.
I left you a note when you woke up
I've tried to reach out to you in other ways, but so far you haven't responded.
Don't be alarmed, I wouldn't split
I want to reassure you that I still value and respect our relationship, even if things aren't perfect right now.
Upon being here for you to...
I'm here and ready to support you whenever you're ready to reach out to me.
It's useless, forget I messed up your airs
I'm starting to feel like I've lost your trust or favor, and that trying to fix things is pointless.
So tempting, for all last patience has
I'm running out of patience and starting to give in to the temptation to give up on our relationship altogether.
So I'm for coldness, blaming luck
To protect myself, I'm trying to stay distant and blame external factors like fate or chance for our troubles.
For warning, is there no need to...
Despite my pessimism, I still hold out hope that you might call me and give us a chance to work things out.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alakazam
I'd sleep on the white tile lobby floor
And pace until the time to visit starts
The bright lights are on but I'm away
How nervous a voice sounds on the phone
You agree when you check in at the desk
Permission and trust in every move
I'd be beside you when they're done
But I'll have to wait until i can call
The blood kept you home while i was gone
They left you a note when you woke up
Don't be alarmed by wooden splints
There won't be a need for you to call
Excuses for careless doctor errors
Acceptance by all past patients have
Allowed for a cold disclaiming note
The warning is there, no need to call