Fake Problems

Fake Problems: How Far Our Bodies GoHow Far Our Bodies Go (2007)
Sabot Productions

Reviewer Rating: 4.5

User Rating:

Contributed by: sickboiChris
(others by this writer | submit your own)
Published on April 27th 2007I must say, I love when a band really tries to make great music, and to be great musicians. Florida's Fake Problems have been on the radar for sometime, however, something seemed to be missing. The boys had a few good songs here and there, but seemed to lack the consistency that is expected of a gro.

I must say, I love when a band really tries to make great music, and to be great musicians. Florida's Fake Problems have been on the radar for sometime, however, something seemed to be missing. The boys had a few good songs here and there, but seemed to lack the consistency that is expected of a group so young, and with so much talent. However, the band's new LP, How Far Our Bodies Go, not only solidifies their obvious strengths in songwriting, recording, and ability, but also casts off the shadow of comparisons to mimicking another Florida band.

That's not to say Fake Problems don't proudly display their influences. The dirty rock and folk-punk traces akin to performers like Lucero, Tim Barry and Against Me! permeate from almost every track. From the sloshy sing-along choruses of the album's title track kicking things off and leading right into the stomping manifesto of "Born & Raised," to the subtle twang of "Cold on the Soul," a wide array of sound, style and substance flows from the record. Adding even further to the plethora of audio experimentation are the horns (mind you, not ska horns) buzzing on the swaggering number "Busy Bees" (pun not intended).

"Crest on the Crest" and "To Repel Ghosts," two highlights of the entire collection, continue with the unforced and honest fun found in the infectious choruses. In the latter, singer Chris Farren showcases his growing vocal range with both soft-yet-sharp sounding verses, and raspy and jubilant peaks in the dizzying chorus. Somehow the whole experience is perfectly complimented with very faint fiddle strumming away in the background.

To top off an already astounding album, the blinding orange artwork, courtesy of the fine folks at Steak Mountain, only cements the entire release, particularly the resemblance to the Adult Swim masterpiece-of-a-cartoon, "Venture Bros." All in all, if How Far Our Bodies Go doesn't click immediately, give it a few more spins; music as good as this will grow on you, even if it's not your cup of whiskey.

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Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not respon sible for them in any way. Seriously.

onegirlarmy (May 6, 2007)

Also, I wouldn't doubt their age is a significant factor in why people think they're "selling out" folk punk. People see a bunch of young kids touring and sounding similar to and also touring with Against Me!, a band that happens to be huge right now. It's obvious people are thinking "oh these are dumb kids who see how well AM! is doing and automatically start a band that sounds like them thinking they can make it big too". I didn't really talk to these kids when I saw them yesterday so I can't pass judgement, but they seemed like they were legtimately enjoying themselves playing and I didn't get any bad vibes from them. I'm not going to judge, but again, I really just think the more they work at it, people will start respecting them eventually despite their age.

onegirlarmy (May 6, 2007)

To everyone who is iffy on Fake Problems:

I highly recommend seeing them live. I wasn't too into them prior to seeing them yesterday, and their live show COMPLETELY did me in. This record is great after I sat down and really gave it a chance.

I had no idea they were so young either. I think one of the reasons a lot of people write them off is because of their age, and also because unfortunately they happen to look as young (or younger even) as they are, which can be a disadvantage for a newish band trying to make a name for themselves. Nobody wants to give kids credit until they've "proven" themselves worthy to some folks. I think the more Fake Problems tours people will start to respect them as a band... it's just gonna take some time.

larsbars (May 4, 2007)

Can anybody clue me in as to why these guys are "selling out punk rock"?

Morgan (May 4, 2007)

People give them way more shit then they deserve.
They're kids playing amazing music that they like to play and everytime I've seen them they've been nice and looked like they were having the time of their lifes on stage.

mikelagglesby (May 1, 2007)

derek perry stop posting anonymous self-deprecating comments to generate discussion! we all know its you.

nick_heitman (May 1, 2007)

i think the album is pretty good. but they were fucking amazing when i saw them live. anyone who doesn't like the record, i suggest you see them live.

Anonymous (April 30, 2007)

how long has that been on their myspace about selling out "folk punk"?

baseball (April 30, 2007)

anyone else having trouble finding this or any other Fake Problems releases in stores? I've checked four of the five independent record stores in Indianapolis for the past four months, over and over and no one's ever even HEARD of the band or Sabot Productions (despite the fact that they released the LP version of the new Hold Steady, which all the hipster record store employees absolutely LOVE). I am just pissed. I guess I'll order it, but it's not as fun.

yup, can't find anyone who's heard of this release at all...looks like it's going to have to be an online order

ACCIDENTALLYONPURPOSE (April 29, 2007)

After I bought this album I thought it was the worst decision I'd ever made (nothing pisses me off like buying bad music when I could have bought great music), however, after a few listens, it grew on me. I don't know about giving this album four stars, but their next album is bound to be fantastic.

Anonymous (April 29, 2007)

i have met them. from what i can tell they are som fucking stand up guys. there merch guy in particular was a nice fucking dude. so for you to say they have no morals is bullshit.

superskabro (April 29, 2007)

Anonymous (April 29, 2007)

Who cares if they try to have sex with your teenage sister? They are teens themselves. And, in my experience, only one of them was a sketchy dude. The other 3 were totally not interested in groupies.

Anonymous (April 29, 2007)

Dear everyone that hated on this band,

this is a total un-angstful question (for you have your opinion and i have mine!).
exactly what bands do you like?

i take this album for what it is....fun, good songs!

anyway, do get back to me!

Anonymous (April 29, 2007)

Someone finally needs to start a band named The Sketchy Dudes... Or, conversely, The Totally Legit Dudes. Or... Good Dudes.

-Will

Anonymous (April 28, 2007)

Probably one of the worst bands since I have started listening to punk. And they are shitty dudes with no morals to boot. Watch out they dont try to fuck your teenage sister when they are in town.

Anonymous (April 28, 2007)

ok, isn't a 10 supposed to be pretty much a perfect album? so wouldn't a nine be 1 about one step away from perfect? these guys are ok (although i agree they could easily be the next hellogoodbye or say anything if their album fell into the right person's hands), but to even suggest they are anywhere near that good is way too generous.

sickboi (April 28, 2007)

I was on the fence about the score. Initially I was gonna say an 8, but went with the nine on the diversity, growth and overall fun in the songs on this album.

fuzzy (April 28, 2007)

These guys are really fun kids. This album isn't a 9, but it's another case of "freaking great debut" right along with Nothington, Gaslight Anthem, the Menzingers, and a few others this year. Good crop of new-ish bands, some of which are pretty young.

Anonymous (April 28, 2007)

A NINE? Are you kidding? This album deserves a 5. It's completely average in every way.

Anonymous (April 28, 2007)

Seriously, is this like Tom Gabel's "project"? You know like in those teeny movies where the popular girls do a sympathy make-over for the ugly chick?

AphasiacIIC (April 28, 2007)

literally one of the 3 worst bands ive ever heard

CogsintheMachine (April 28, 2007)

Hahahahaha. More like Coke Problems.

Anonymous (April 28, 2007)

I saw on their MySpace they are booked at 21 shows. How are they able to even get into the venues to play?

Anonymous (April 28, 2007)

Steak Mtn not Mountain.

Anonymous (April 28, 2007)

That guy in the picture holding the money looks like the kid in jumanji, when he's about half way turning into a monkey.

Score is for jumanji...

aaronfromsweden (April 28, 2007)

Hey!!! Watching this bands Punknews Profile I kind of recognized the guy to the far left. Wasn't he on American Idol 2007, the Minneapolis audition. Sure looks like him. He was juggling and dancing, and when he got turned down by the jury he rushed out and shouted that he had never been so insulted in his whole life ;) it was kinda funny.

Haven't heard the band, but I hope he ain't the vocalist if that is the case :P

Score is for "Jasons" audition in American Idol.

Anonymous (April 28, 2007)

Can't say enough bad things about this band. These kids don't even know enough to be the posers they aspiring to be. Top review...a 9?

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

totally agree with that dude

this band really seems like they're selling out the whole folk punk scene.

JUST WAIT till all the against me pop knock offs come after july

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

I think it's kind of funny to read the people on the website that love these guys. To me, they seem like if they got a little attention they could be the next The Format or something. When I saw them open for AM!, the only people there to see them were a group of girls in Starting Line and NFG shirts. We'll see how many of you jump off this bandwagon when they are in Seventeen Magazine for the first time.

Rocktopus (April 27, 2007)

Pass.....

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

OVERated (clap, clap, clapclapcalp)

recordtheory (April 27, 2007)

Hell yeah, I just ordered this today.

Ollywood (April 27, 2007)

Saw 'em live. Miles short of Spectacular

telegraphrocks (April 27, 2007)

This album's a 7. Yup.

Dante3000 (April 27, 2007)

Well someone is just having an awesome day. I don't dislike Chris's lyrics or vocal style (I actually love his voice, which is why I can't understand the people who wish he sounded more like Tom Gabel or Brendan Kelly). Anyhow, it just feels like this album is very much just a stories about Chris and his life. I like how in "Real Problems in SRQ" they tie in their prison incident into a large point about Police and their slanted priorities and I just felt that there could have been more of that in this album. I still think it's really good but it's just my small critique.
-Dante

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

That's the song I always skip, Dante.

I like Chris's song writing style. He's got a killer voice, both vocally and style-wise.

He is awesome, FP is awesome. The weather today is awesome, too.

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

Stomping manifesto stomping manifesto stomping manifesto

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

If I ever read the phrase "stomping manifesto" again I swear to god I'll blow my fucking brains out

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

yeah, that's really weird, huh? a frontman taking an autobiographical approach to writing lyrics. shame on you chris for expressing yourself. just who do you think you are?

Dante3000 (April 27, 2007)

I really like this album a lot. It has a few amazing songs, maybe a few that could be better but it's pretty solid. My biggest gripe is it seems Chris has taken a much more autobiographical approach to writing and while it doesn't hurt the album, I think he could have expanded to a few more universal themes. It comes off a tad tunnel visioned at times. I get there's an over all theme but it seems more about Chris's perception of things as opposed to a more universal feel. I dunno, maybe I'm splitting hairs.
However, I'm amazed no one has mentioned "Maestro Of This Rebellious Symphony" that song tears it up son!
-Dante

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

Helllllllllllllloooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!
checky checy checkieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!!

ibitchslappedyourmama (April 27, 2007)

i just can't get into this band

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

hell yes they rock. everyone agrees that they are unstoppable live.

i really like this album overall, but a couple tracks get skipped every time. i wish Real Problems in SRQ were on it.

Cant wait for their next tour. !!!!

88-fingers-tony (April 27, 2007)

it seems like everybody is torn on this band.

im still trying to find out if they rock. are these guys the real thing?

JaredK (April 27, 2007)

This guys voice sucks, very annoying. I'd rather listen to Screech from Saved by the Bell doing a Gilbert Godfrey impersonation.

R3venge_Therapy (April 27, 2007)

Someone totally needs to put this record in a Yousendit, because I want to hear it. I agree with what Chris said about their other releases, because I'd listen to them and be like "hey, I like that song" but then I'd listen to a couple others and I'd be completely turned off. They've always been a mixed bag for me, and there's nothing I hate more than wasting money on bad records when I could have bought a good one instead.

kingofsuck (April 27, 2007)

It's pretty good.

denbez (April 27, 2007)

I liked it better live, but that doesn't mean much. Maybe it'll grow on me.

alpod4 (April 27, 2007)

Album a bit of a journey. the best part of the album are the reprises and preprises. totally origina.l only song im not totally in love with is oh maria.10!

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

after seeing this band with against me i lost all hope in folk punk

ps i know that it still rules, but come on

Holy_Balls (April 27, 2007)

Gay Problems - How Gay Our Bodies Go

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

Your review is what I hoped this album would be after hearing the EPs and seeing them live. Sadly, I can hardly agree with anything you said.

sickboi (April 27, 2007)

The JPEG does the cover art absolutely no justice. This thing looks like it was soaked in uranium.

danperrone (April 27, 2007)

WHAT A SHOCKER

this album really isn't that good, and the vocals are annoying as hell...only song that caught my attention was "to repel ghosts"

niveK82 (April 27, 2007)

so far this is my album of the year

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

finally some credit where credit is due. it's good to see things like this about Fake Problems.

Anonymous (April 27, 2007)

How old are these guys? I'm not wanting to dis them for being young or anything, I'm just curious. When I saw them with AM! only one of them was old enough to drink, and two of them looked like they had to be in high school.

Punky_Chips_Ahoy_Oi_Oi_Oi (April 27, 2007)

It's a good album, but it's not a great album. The songs sound way better live in my opinion. A friend of mine went to see AM!/Gamblers/FP with me, and he didn't even believe it was the same band when I put this release on a few days later. It just seems to be lacking something.

ozmanx (April 27, 2007)

Wow you're giving these guys too much credit.