Fake Problems – Real Ghosts Caught on Tape

3.0

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The third album from the Florida based punk band (punk is used in a general stance here, as they are obviously influenced by a variety of sounds) does nothing but prove that there isn’t a specific genre where Fake Problems can be pigeonholed into.

The record starts out strong with big, energetic tunes cementing the pop sensibilities intended to shine through with this release – the superb “ADT” is along the lines of a marching band pop punk song – with a chorus saying “tap, tap your feet to your heartbeat” this song is the surefire anthem of the record.

But, a couple of songs into the Real Ghosts Caught on Tape and the excitement starts to fizzle out, making the midsection of the track-listing a bit lackluster (the straight up ‘indie rock’ “Complaint Dept.” and the beach pop-y “Soulless” are particular duds).

Luckily the sound picks up steam at the right moment before the album ends, specifically with two fantastic tracks – retro-tinged “White Lies” and the sing-a-long epic “Grand Finale”.

It’s refreshing to find a band not bothered with labels and genres, because at the end of the day a good song is a good song – but what Fake Problems missed out on by doing that is the needed sense of coherence to create a real connection with their vision.

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