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
The Passives
The Faint Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Passives line the rail
They get no satisfaction
From the electra-static breaks
A beat can't cut the Passives loose
They're afraid what we will say
No harm is done when you tried that hype
Collected life is a secret you heard
That you're a jerk, well it's clear to us
Come to terms; you're alone here, observing
Everytime you go out, you observe
War has colored Passives
Don't look toward their eyes
It adds to their discomfort
Shows there's some confidence they missed
A beat can't cut the Passives loose
They're afraid what we will say
No harm is done when you tried that hype
Parts moving, keep moving
Collected life is a secret you heard
That you're a jerk, well it's clear to us
Come to terms; you're alone here, observing
Everytime you go out, you observe
The Faint's song "The Passives" is a commentary on modern society's obsession with image and the fear of judgment that comes with it. The first verse sets the scene, with the left eye spinning in circles signifying confusion and the Passives lined up on the rail, unsure of what to do. The Passives are a metaphor for those who are hesitant to break free of societal norms and take risks. They receive no satisfaction from the electra-static breaks, a reference to the overstimulation and noise of modern life.
The chorus reinforces the Passives' fear of judgment, highlighting their reluctance to take risks and try anything new. They fear what others will say, even though no harm is done when attempting something new. The second verse takes a darker turn, with the War coloring the Passives in fear and discomfort. They avoid eye contact, afraid to show any signs of confidence they may have missed.
The bridge of the song ties it all together, emphasizing the idea that those who do not conform are alone and always observing. The Passives hear the rumors that they are jerks, reinforcing the fear of judgment and ostracism. The song's message is clear - societal norms and pressure to conform can be suffocating, and it takes courage to break free and try something new.
Line by Line Meaning
Left eye spins in circles
The Passives look around nervously
Passives line the rail
The Passives stand together looking at something
They get no satisfaction
From the electra-static breaks
They are not entertained by this thing they're watching
A beat can't cut the Passives loose
They're afraid what we will say
No harm is done when you tried that hype
Parts moving, keep moving
They feel self-conscious and are afraid of judgement from others. They try to ignore their worries and keep going with their lives, but it's not easy.
Collected life is a secret you heard
That you're a jerk, well it's clear to us
Come to terms; you're alone here, observing
Everytime you go out, you observe
They feel like they're being judged and that everyone thinks they're a loser, so they've resigned themselves to being alone and watching others live their lives.
War has colored Passives
Don't look toward their eyes
It adds to their discomfort
Shows there's some confidence they missed
They have been through difficult times that have changed them, and they don't want to draw attention to themselves because they feel uncomfortable and lack confidence.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: CLARK BAECHLE, TODD BEACHLE, JOEL PETERSEN, JACOB THIELE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind