U.S. Punk supergroup release their third album on Epitaph Records
This American collective are certainly no strangers to being in bands. Fake Names consists of Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Dagnasty, Bad Religion) on guitar, Micheal Hampton (S.O.A, The Faith, Embrace) on 2nd guitar, Dennis Lyxzén (Refused, INVSN) on vocals, Johnny Temple (Soulside, Girls Against Boys) on bass, and their new drummer Mario Rubalcaba (Rocket From The Crypt, OFF!). That’s quite the pedigree, so these sounds should be interesting to my ears. Fake Names also describe themselves as successfully “merging D.C. post-hardcore with modern power-pop.” Regarding their new album ‘Punk Ruins‘, they add: “Punk Ruins dissects the political manipulation and social neurosis of modern life, while holding on to punk’s salvation.”
This is the band’s third studio album and the first one to hit our record shelves in three years. It was recorded at the legendary Electrical Audio Studio in Chicago, and it is produced by Matthew Barnhardy (Superchunk, Bob Mould). “We recorded 12 songs in 5 days, and all of them are on the album” Brian Baker explains. He tells us that Fake Names are a “mutual admiration society” of 70’s UK Punk, classic U.S. hardcore and guitar-driven power-pop. Let’s give it a listen…
‘Until It’s Normal‘ is the lead-off single from the album, and it’s an impressive song to kick off with. Post-hardcore is definitely the order of the day, and it’s almost impossible not to mention Fugazi, which I hear traces of in the verses. The chorus displays the power-pop elements in their musical style, and this is a technique they use throughout this well-put-together record. This is a song about frustration and confusion, as today’s populace are being manipulated by the media and politicians, with their so-called fake news and propaganda. A device to create division, and sadly it seems to be working.
‘Good Old Days‘ is mid-tempo and melodic, and reminds me of Bob Mould‘s Sugar, which is of course a good thing! A song about reminiscing, with a nice chord structure and a super pop chorus. There is also a breakdown in the song featuring chiming guitars and vocal harmonies towards the end. The title track of this collection, ‘Punk Ruins‘, is a lively Punk/Hardcore number with a dampened guitar intro and a rocking guitar solo. This was a highlight for me, as the band sang, “I was waiting for redemption”, whilst letting us know “But for us, it was everything.”
‘Cover The Distance‘ has a catchy intro on a well-formed song that forever changes. It’s an infectious number, where they sing, “Just give me something. Anything at all!” Just when you think you know what’s going on, the second part of the song turns almost psychedelic, complete with its backwards guitar solo and ‘long cigarette’ smoke-inducing crescendo. I enjoyed this song’s unpredictability. ‘What I Tell Myself‘ has a late 70s rock feel. It’s tuneful, laid back and quite euphoric, as the band proclaim, “The world’s not mine to take.” Couple that with catchy melodies and harmonising guitars, and you’ve got yourself a most satisfying song.
‘Diamond Buzz‘ is a stand-out track and has a Dub influence running through its DNA. Bass and drums are at the forefront, with a snaky, hypnotic bass riff that will be sure to get under your skin. It has quite a mellow vibe to it too, and it’s the longest song on the album. ‘Language Lost‘ has a rock element to it once again, and a bassline that’s high on the treble. The next track is ‘Beautiful Scars’, which has a speedier, head-nodding tempo. The vocals are as clear as a bell as Dennis sings, “And you fall, and you get up again.”
‘If You Could See Me Today‘ begins with a clipped guitar sound and a stuttering drum beat, where the band confess, “I carry trauma with me”, as soaring guitars highlight the dramatic element of this song. ‘Little Wonders‘ is another album highlight, with the band harking back to their youth; “There was no limit to what we could be.” It’s about the innocence of being young and making new discoveries. The penultimate song of this collection is entitled simply ‘Scream‘, which sounds like a call to arms. “Turn it up right now!” they shout. ‘Paradise‘ brings this entertaining album to a close, and it has a happy vibe, but I surmise it’s a sarcastic one. The song has a dreamy sound that almost ventures into surf music territory. Fake Names explain that people keep telling them they live in paradise, but it is not what the people in power lead you to believe. “They want us to believe we live in paradise” they sing, with more than a hint of disillusionment.
Fake Names are an interesting proposition with an impressive line-up of musicians. ‘Punk Ruins‘ is a well-structured album, so if you like your Post-Hardcore with a big pop-heavy chorus, then why not give this a spin?
‘Punk Ruins‘ is out today, 23rd October 2026 – grab your copy HERE
Catch Fake Names on tour in Europe and the UK in 2027:
Jan 26 – Umeå, S.E. @ Stage Umeå
Jan 28 – Paris, France @ Glazart
Jan 29 – Cologne, Germany @ Club Volta
Jan 30 – Munich, Germany @ Backstage
Feb 1 – Milano, Italy @ Legend Club
Feb 2 – Ljubljana, S.I @ Club Siska
Feb 3 – Vienna, Austria @ Arena
Feb 5 – Hamburg, Germany @ Knust
Feb 6 – Berlin, Germany @ Lido
Feb 7 – London, UK @ Camden Underworld
And in the USA:
Feb 18 – Brooklyn, NY @ Zone One at Elsewhere
Feb 19 – Washington, D.C. @ Black Cat
Feb 20 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas
Feb 23 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
Feb 26 – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry
Feb 27 – Chicago, IL @ Cobra Lounge
Feb 28 – Detroit, MI @ El Club
1. Until It’s Normal
2. Good Old Days
3. Punk Ruins
4. Cover The Distance
5. What I Tell Myself
6. Diamond Buzz
7. Language Lost
8. Beautiful Scars
9. If You Could See Me Today
10. The Little Wonders
11. Scream
12. Paradise
Follow Fake Names on Their Socials:
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I have been writing reviews for Brighton & Hove News, and more recently Vive Le Rock magazine for a few years now. Previously, I could be spotted playing drums for many a band over the decades. A noisy habit developed whilst wearing short trousers at school, and one that has had me touring around the UK and Europe. Punk rock is my life, but I am also quite eclectic. I am an avid gig go-er and music devourer, and can feel out of sorts if a gig date is not on the horizon. I have also been known to put gigs on myself in order to fill those gaps.
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