The roots of Amish Fastlane stretch back to Denton, Texas, where Annie Ramage and Brian Tucker first started making noise together in a garage on McCormick Street.
Alongside drummer John Horlick, they formed SWANK, a band that became part of the fabric of Denton's thriving independent music scene, playing shows on the rooftop of Cool Beans, the smoky haze of Mable Peabody’s Beauty Parlor and Chainsaw Repair Shop, and even the Animal-House style Delta Lodge.
Fueled by a love of Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, and the classic sounds of the '60s and '70s, while drawing equal inspiration from Nirvana, Pixies, Toadies, and the alternative explosion of the '90s, SWANK built a sound that was melodic, loud, and unmistakably their own.
Armed with Annie and Brian’s matching half stacks, Horlick's trademark overalls, and a rotating cast of bass players, SWANK became a recognizable name in Denton, in part due to SWANK graffiti that appeared around town (totally unrelated, but hey…free promo!). Along the way, friends, collaborators, and side projects came and went, including the 3 founding members of SWANK forming Robin Goodfellow with Chris Demiglio, and eventually Annie and Chris forming The Demigs.
After years spent following different musical, personal, and professional paths (Annie eventually left The Demigs and Horlick moved to California), Annie and Brian reunited in 2021 and immediately rediscovered the musical chemistry that had started everything. The result was Amish Fastlane- named after Horlick’s signature facial hair style- and built on the same friendship, songwriting, and love of rock and roll that defined the original band.
Since reforming, Amish Fastlane has written a staggering amount of new material, carrying the spirit of SWANK into a new chapter while continuing to evolve. Recent recording sessions at Hashville Studios in Stephenville, TX have captured both the energy of the band's beginnings and the perspective that comes from years of making music together…and the Perpetual Crisis of midlife awakenings.