Fake Problems

Item: How Far Our Bodies Go
Rating: 9
Author: Chris Moran

How Far Our Bodies Go (2007)

Chris Moran

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.