Fake Problems

For nearly ten years, Fake Problems have been releasing EPs and full-lengths, in what could reasonably be understood as an attempt to prove they can't be pigeonholed ― especially not as the next Against Me! With their third full-length, Real Ghosts Caught on Tape, they've successfully made another left turn, abandoning the rich compositions found on 2009's It's Great to be Alive. They already did the folk punk thing, with 2007's How Far Our Bodies Go. So, what's next? Real Ghosts isn't quite a hybrid but a refined take on what worked on past efforts. The album maintains enough edge to keep them on the periphery of the punk world, but should also place them on the radar of fans of lyrically driven rock, such as the Hold Steady. While it would have been great to hear the string instruments and horns found on It's Great to be Alive, Real Ghosts continues with the band's carefree, but smart, approach to music. That alone warrants them continued space on your record shelves.