“[We] started Tapes as a project with two friends who were at university still, and we tried our best to do the whole long distance relationship thing, but it literally just ran out of steam,” explains Faux vocalist Lee Male, referring to his previous endeavour. As Tapes, Male and co. released the excellent ‘Lucky Paw‘ – a track that brought that little extra bit of pop into barrelling emo revivalist movement.
Since then, members of Tapes have joined forces with equal minded individuals to form Faux. “It was a shame at the time,” Male admits, “but to come back stronger than ever has made starting all over with the sound we originally intended feel great.”
On ‘Backbone’, Faux leave the emo roots of ‘Lucky Paw’ (now tagged as a Faux track) behind. Instead, the track is awash with a summery atmosphere; it’s a feel-good song with an alternative undercurrent. “Musically, I would almost go as far to say that we all have a different idea for each song,” Lee offers as a reason for the shift in direction. “[It] really helps make us a lucky dip sort of band. We love such a wide variety of genres, it feels silly to just write in one.”
Although running the risk of lacking direction, melody provides a clear link between ‘Lucky Paw’ and ‘Backbone’. Despite the differing styles, it’s clear that Faux know how to write a track underpinned by emotion. If Faux can keep up the compositions, it should pull their forthcoming EP together. “We head back to The Ranch [a studio in the south of England] with our producer Neil Kennedy to take our debut EP, which will then lead to another music video and just generally touring our asses off!”
For the time-being, Faux are pinning their excitement on ‘Backbone’. “This song was completely fresh, and the first thing we put together as Faux,” Male goes on to explain, “which gives it that sentimental feeling. Backbone is literally just about being a wimp and too afraid to tell a friend they’re being a band person or acting really selfishly. It takes a lot to stick your neck out there and tell a friend they’re being a dick as it’s much easier to just let that friendship drift and move on, but what’s best?”
Catch Faux live at a handful of dates this month:
AUGUST
07 BASINGSTOKE The Sanctuary w/ Press To Meco
11 SOUTHAMPTON Joiners w/ Press To Meco
29 SALISBURY The Winchester Gate w/ Signals
For more on Faux, head to their official Facebook page.