As Fast As may have come up just a bit short in the Best Act, Song, and Album categories, but no one can deny them their bread and butter: Pop music. It’s music that’s near and dear to the heart of As Fast As frontman Spencer Albee, he of the Paul McCartney fanclub. Albee’s Popsicko took home this award in 2001, his Rocktopus took home this award in 2003, and here are As Fast As to stake their pop dominance in 2005 (they took the category with a margin of more than 500 votes).

Fittingly for the recent success the band have had, Octone Records’ As Fast As couldn’t make it to the Awards Show because they were on tour supporting the Wonder Stuff — at Mr. Smalls Theater in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, actually, on the day in question. It’s a tour that saw them play New Jersey’s legendary Stone Pony, the Boulder Theater, and the Black Cat in Washington, DC, among a slew of dates. They’ll wind up back here in Portland for the Best Music Poll Festival, May 14, at the Big Easy, the club they’ll always call home.

Fans along the way were surely treated to some of the catchiest hooks they’ve heard in a long time, supported by monster guitars when necessary, and singalong ballads when the time is right. Albee’s flanked on stage by killer guitarist Zach Jones and over-the-top bassist Hache, who key into his on-stage verves brilliantly and never fail in giving the kids a damn entertaining stage show.

One can only imagine what we’ll wind up with when As Fast As drop their new record. They spent weeks in LA recording with Matt Wallace at his Studio Delux, and word is he’s amped up their sound to afterburner levels. We can’t wait — and next year’s Best Music Poll better watch out.

Runners up: Eggbot, Phantom Buffalo.