Fake NewsTake Me Away (EP)

90s melodic punk has a glorious (and refreshing) moment via the new EP Take Me Away from Gold Coast rockers Fake News.

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Serving up four tracks of pure caffeinated punk on their latest EP, Fake News have settled into the stellar sonic stride their groundbreaking 2021 album Everyday Warrior previously established, bustling into 2023 with even more inescapable hooks and a ravenous zest for rock‘n’roll. But amid the hustle and bustle on display throughout Take Me Away, there’s also a notable level up as Fake News continue to fly the flag for the modern pop and punk rock renaissance while firmly extending themselves beyond merely imitating their overarching nods to the likes of Millencolin, Bodyjar, The Ataris and beyond. 

Exploding in sizzling fashion with the anthemic and rollicking Where We Stand, Take Me Away’s opening ditty is a ferocious mix of spicy guitars, relentless beats and oscillating moments of pop-infused melodics – and plenty of singalong moments. Next up, Nothing Town captures the stagnancy of small town life alongside sharp riffs and heart-wrenching vocals, straddling pure and unbridled adoration for the former heyday when pop punk reigned supreme in the mainstream. Next up, Rise & Fall merges occasional offbeat rhythms with more straightforward punk fare, before Take Me Away closes out by hurling the kitchen sink squarely in your ears via Hand Of Doubt, complete with occasional offbeat rhythms and also a quick Dumb & Dumber movie reference for those listening to the very end. 

On Take Me Away, Fake News have firmly adhered to an all killer-no filler approach, crafting a well-rounded and extremely enjoyable collection of fast and loud tunes that never overstay their welcome

On Take Me Away, Fake News have firmly adhered to an all killer-no filler approach, crafting a well-rounded and extremely enjoyable collection of fast and loud tunes that never overstay their welcome, while also leaving you wanting much more. With plenty of light and shade lurking behind the flashy pop, punk, and rock coatings, Fake News continue to be one of the most exciting emerging voices in the Aussie alternative scene since first leaping into the fray back in 2017. If you’re a 90s child daydreaming about the good ol’ days or just someone who loves a roughed-up sonic frolic, Take Me Away is an appetising punk treat that will translate undoubtedly into extremely tasty live settings.  

STICK THIS NEXT TO: Millencolin, Bodyjar, Strungout