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Fake Names

Expendables

Written by: PP on 15/11/2023 13:47:35

Despite a superstar-laden roster featuring Brian Baker (Bad Religion), Michael Hampton (S.O.A.), Dennis Lyxzén (Refused), Brendan Canty (Fugazi), and Johnny Temple (Girls Against Boys), Fake Names has been unable to convince me across two albums that they are a band we should pay particular attention to. Their self-titled debut three years ago passed by unnoticed, and their new full-length "Expendables" equally lacks flair and charisma. Ask yourself this: would you be listening to this more than a couple of times was it not written by the names above?

With such an eclectic mix of musicians, the outcome is a surprisingly bland form of alternative rock with punk undertones. "Delete Myself" is one of the highlights, with its garage punk coming across as a less-energetic version of The Hives. "Go" is an upbeat, cheerful piece that makes me think of a band like Fake Problems, while opener "Targets" carries a similar vibe as Militarie Gun on their latest album. "Can't Take It" has a Beatsteaks-esque vibe to it and I could easily see it on a Roskilde Festival stage given its melody lines.

It's not until "Damage Done" that we get a catchy punk rock riff and a high-energy explosion of melody that warrants a level of hype that should be default given their roster. Here, Dennis Lyxzen's melodic shouts fit perfectly atop summery, headbangable riffs to produce the best song on the album. Compare it then to the middling "Madtown" right after which just strolls forward at a leisurely pace with no memorable parts whatsoever. Meh. Regrettably, the record is more the latter than the former overall.

Download: Damage Done, Delete Myself, Go, Expendables
For the fans of: The Hives, Militarie Gun, Fake Problems
Listen: Facebook

Release date 03.03.2023
Epitaph Records