Fake Names – Fake Names EP

Since the release of their self title debut album back in May 2020 Fake Names have been working hard to bring the eagerly anticipated follow up, so this new, self titled (why name something that speaks for itself) EP will be a taster of what is still to come.

If you are familiar with Fake Names you will already know that this is, in some media terms a “supergroup”, which never sits well with my own idea of punk or how bands should be portrayed, friends playing punk rock together is simple enough.  If you’re not familiar with them, then you have been missing out on the world of amazing music and energy they exude. 

The core of the band and founding members are Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Dag Nasty, Bad Religion) and Michael Hampton (S.O.A., Embrace, One Last Wish) joined later by Bassist Johnny Temple (Girls Against Boys and Soulside) and finally they recruited the last important piece of the jigsaw, in the form of Refused frontman Dennis Lyxzén.  

So your expectations might be high here, and guess what?  They simply do not disappoint, music that combines all that they were before, yet with this amalgamation you get a brand new style and energy that hits all the right buttons, a sound that quite simply is, fresh and of its time.

The EP, three tracks of Punk Rock n Roll that smash head long into your psyche with the same energy and excitement you felt when hearing anything from The Clash to The Ramones.  ‘It Will Take A Lifetime’ draws first blood, like an early Jimmy Eat World, it has all that rawness of vocal that gives off such a need to feel every word and express this to the listener, this smothered in a sound that belies its complexity to be nothing more than simple power punk wonderfulness.

‘Running’ has the pleasure of holding middle spot, and is without doubt the explosive filling in the sandwich, a song that slaps of Bad Religion speed, yet has no need to look back, it throws the hook out to all those who may not have been Fake Names fans, and should land them totally!  An ode to being different and wanting to fit in, but why fit in when you can perfectly survive by being yourself. 

The final track, yes I said final track, ‘Cuts You Down’ comes in just when you’re ready for the next ten tracks, but if this is what we are getting now, just wait until the full album hits.

Can I big this band up enough?  NO!

Should you get your ears around their music?  YES!

Punk music just got a huge boost to the ranks of must! see bands. 

Out now and available via all Streaming Platforms HERE

Check out the band on their Website or Facebook page