EP REVIEW: Fake Names EP – Fake Names

With a punk rock pedigree that is simply astounding, FAKE NAMES feature amongst their ranks, guitarists Brian Baker (MINOR THREAT, BAD RELIGION and DAG NASTY) and Michael Hampton (S.O.A., EMBRACE, ONE LAST WISH) alongside vocalist Dennis Lyxzén (REFUSED, INTERNATIONAL NOISE CONSPIRACY, INVSN), and bassist Johnny Temple (GIRLS AGAINST BOYS, SOULSIDE). As if this wasn’t enough, on their new self titled EP, they are joined by guest drummer Brendan Canty (FUGAZI, RITES OF SPRING, MESSTHETICS) who lays down his trademark rhythmic backbone to the band’s joyous noise.

With that formidable line-up in place, FAKE NAMES follow up their eponymous debut album, released last year, with a three track EP that definitely builds on the momentum of that debut and sees the band delivering another three songs of melodic brilliance, with just the right amount of grit and attitude,

The anthemic It Will Take A Lifetime kicks things off and the vocals of Lyxzén really soar over a quirky groove and the track is a delight to listen to and the perfect way to get things started. This brilliant opening salvo is quickly followed by the fast paced but still so melodic Running, a track that sounds just as life affirming as you would hope with a level of vivacity that the majority of bands would struggle to keep up with. Those energy levels remain on throughout, and as the EP finishes with Cuts You Down, a more discordant and cutting track but one that still has the right amount of energy and rhythm, it ends on a sheer high.

With the quality of the songs on show here and the talent involved in this band, you quickly realize that everything they put out is going to be special, and this EP is certainly that. A feel good trio of songs that fizz with energy, melody and above all hopefulness which is the perfect antidote to the strife that surrounds the world right now. Hopefully more new material is right around the corner from FAKE NAMES, as a new full-length album would be perfect.

Rating: 8/10

Fake Names EP is out now via Epitaph Records.

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