I read a review that described Fake Problems as an ‘optimistic Against Me’ and, you know what, they’re not far wrong. I sat for ages and ages deliberating over how to describe them and I couldn’t really find a band or a sound that pins them down. I could have been lazy and described them as some kind of Gaslight-esque rock band or been even lazier and just said they’re a folk punk band, maybe a bit like Lucero, but I’m not that lazy. Fake Problems sound like Fake Problems and that’s a good thing – there are too many bands who all sound the same, dress the same and come across as fake and boring. Fake Problems have no such, well, problems. ‘Real Ghosts…’ is a passionate record. It’s a fun record. And it’s a record that will make you go back to it again and again and again.
‘Soulless’ is just a plain old summer hit. It’s a pop song dressed up as a folk/punk/rock anthem. Undress it and enjoy one of the biggest hooks you’ll hear this year. The foot-stomping opening ‘ADT’ is all swaggering guitar riffs and awesome vocal delivery, while ‘Done With Fun‘ starts off with some soaring harmonies and settles down into a great little rock song. There are lots of lovely subtle little bits on this record that makes it stand out. The guitar work doesn’t just follow boring chord progressions and the lead work is jaunty enough to make it stick out. Chris Farren’s vocals are spot on throughout too, switching from ballads to more experimental sections with ease. And it’s that variety that makes ‘Real Ghosts…’ such a fun listen – while some bands fall apart by sounding like a Jack of all trades and a master of none, Fake Problems enjoy mixing things up and still sound fresh. And they don’t skimp on the choruses either – there are some really catchy moments here.
Can Fake Problems get Gaslight-style big? I see no reason why not. This is a record that transcends a number of different genres of music, has widespread appeal and, above all, is a brilliant album.