Although Naples, Florida is just five short hours from Gainesvillethe birthplace of bands like Against Me! and Hot Water Musicthe area isnt commonly considered to be a punk Mecca; and with good reason. Naples is a really thriving vacation spot, so the whole city revolves around people who come here for three months of the year, explains Fake Problems front man Chris Farren. So its a strange environment, but I think its a good environment creatively because its very nice.
Despite the fact that theyve only been together for a few years, the group of four friendswhich also features bassist Derek Perry, guitarist Casey Lee and drummer Sean Stevensonhave already logged more miles in the van as a full-time touring band than most acts years their senior. Last year we played more than 150 shows and were away from home for something like 200 days, with recording and days off in addition to shows Farren explains. In October, the band blew the minds of fans from around the world at last years Fest in Gainesville, and the band just finished up a largely sold out tour alongside Against Me! and The Riverboat Gamblers.
Recorded with Rob McGregor (Hot Water Music, Grabass Charlestons), the bands full-length debut How Far Our Bodies Go has a timeless feel that pushes the boundaries of punk rock while retaining the youthful exuberance inherent in the bands music. With its blaring horns, swinging tempos, and anthemic vocals, Maestro Of This Rebellious Symphony sounds like its about to combust at any moment; although Astronaut starts with an acoustic intro the song quickly erupts into the cathartic punk of Crest On The Chest; and the confessional ballad Staying & Leaving As Living & Dying evokes Saddle Creek artists like Bright Eyes and The Good Life.
A concept album about morality and driven by a love of life and a fear of death, How Far Our Bodies Go manages to tackle existential subject matter in a way that doesnt come off as preachy or pretentious. In fact, metaphoric references to birth, travel, bones, weather, goals, and uncertainty litter the album, forming a patchwork of experiences that make up one complete life experience. I need to swing, I need to move/You need to stand up, look forward and go, Farren sings during Lifes A Drink, Get Thirsty, trying his best to move ahead amidst all this self-imposed chaos and confusionand his catharsis seems to be working.
In my lyrics I definitely like to say what I feel, but I dont like to alienate people or create a niche so that you can only listen to our music if you share our beliefs, Farren explains about the disc, which begins with birth (We were born in our mothers arms but we have since grown) and ends with imminent death (I missed you, I barely hit you but you could have gone to heaven today). I dont like to bring my problems to other people unless theyre really important, Farren continues, elaborating on the bands curious moniker.
Fake Problems arent concerned about fitting into any type of niche, selling a ton of records or wearing make-up in effort to perpetuate some kind of image. If anything the bands image is that they dont have one, instead choosing to put their energy into seeing the world, writing honest music and pouring their hearts out every nightand now that people are starting to take notice, well, thats just a bonus. We cant wait to hear if you agree.
