Fake News - Time And Place (EP Review)

Fake News – Time And Place
Released: May 29, 2024  

Lineup:

Tim Russ | Vocals
Darren Crowe | Guitar
Mick Braszell | Guitar
Nick Vanderkley | Bass & Vocals
Nat MacDonald | Drums

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There seems to be a wave of punk rock talent coming from Queensland right now, with bands like Serial Killer Dinner Party and Buckled flying the flag for that 90’s melodic hardcore style through their raucous live shows around the country.

Gold Coast’s Fake News add to that list, having spent a busy year supporting the likes of Lagwagon, Pennywise and A Wilhelm Scream following the release of last year’s Take Me Away EP. Now, they return in 2024 with a new release, Time and Place, delivering six tracks of pop-punk riffage worthy of inclusion on a Tony Hawk Pro Skater playlist.

The opening track ‘Moving On’ sets the tone with melodic guitars and a great vocal delivery from Tim Russ, delivering that classic energetic style that would be out of place among my Fat Wreck Chords CD collection. ‘No Weakness’ is a fast belter of a punk rock tune that begs for a mosh in a live setting. The continuing theme of ‘standing tall and never back down’ throughout this EP does its job of giving those who listen the mental boost they might need.

‘Radio’ is next, and it feels like Fake News aren’t afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves, with the chorus hook giving me some cool Bouncing Souls vibes. This continues in ‘Not Giving Up,’ again the overarching theme of this record, backing up that message with pounding drums, sick guitar leads and cool riffs begging to be played loud.  

That energy continues on ‘Rewind,’ the band plays tight, and their style is well-produced, pulling that Epitaph/Fat Wreck vibe off well with awesome guitar tones and a pumping drum sound. Closing their EP is a ‘punkified’ cover of ‘Eve Of Destruction’ that borrows more from The Screaming Jets version from ‘97 (the Aussie rock vibe, at least) than the original 60’s version.  

With each track no longer than three minutes, Time and Place is a banger of an entry into the repertoire of Fake News, getting to the point quickly and leaving you digging around for more from the band’s back catalogue. Looking forward to seeing them out on the road.

Rating: 9/10
‍Time and Place is out May 29th.
Review By – Simon Valentine @SimonValentineAU