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Thursday, March 28, 2024
The independent student publication of The University at Buffalo, since 1950

Can't fake this

Artist: Fake Problems

Album: Real Ghosts Caught on Tape

Release Date: Sept. 21

Label: Side One Dummy

Grade: A

When Frank Turner names you the best band in America, you better produce something special. And that's exactly what Fake Problems did with its newest release, Real Ghosts Caught on Tape.

Fake Problems is one of the most dynamic bands to crawl out of the scene in the past decade. At first glance, Fake Problems seems like a punk group, but they are so much more than that.

Much like The Clash, Fake Problems is a punk band at its core. However, the band draws from several different music genres and mixes it all into their punk centered sound.

Real Ghosts Caught on Tape begins with a soothing bass line and drum beat in the song "ADT." This track would not sound out of place on a Jimmy Eat World album, as the main singer Chris Farren spouts lyrics about rejection and loneliness.

But, as soon as the mellow "ADT" ends, the very danceable "5678" begins. The contrast between the two is like day and night. "5678" will get even the most stagnant person to move along.

For Fake Problems, the lyrics are what will reel the listener in. Similar to their current tour mates, The Gaslight Anthem, Fake Problems sports heartfelt lyrics that are very easy to connect with.

On the track "Songs for Teenagers," Farren belts out lyrics about life and the ways to get through the rough patches that come along with it.

"Looking for drugs in all the wrong places/wanted to be famous but ended up nameless/Love is not the answer/I'm in love with this stuff/I spent every last dime in a stranger's trunk," Farren sings.

While it is easy see many of the songs on the album being played on the radio, the one that stands out the most is "Soulless." This love song could have been the summer jam for 2010 had Real Ghosts Caught on Tape been released in the first half of the year.

The catchy guitar riffs will have the listener looking for a dance partner, while also perfectly complimenting the lyrics about that one person that comes into your life you need them most.

"I was soulless, soulless, broken down/I was hollow as a ghost/But you have brought me back to life/And revived the hope," Farren sings.

Real Ghosts Caught on Tapeshowcases the skill and potential Fake Problems possesses. Do not be surprised to start hearing the band's name more often in the near future.

E-mail: arts@ubspectrum.com


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