FAKE BRAIN
Department Of Our Ways (Self-released)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

---

Here we have one of those bands that challenge those of us who are asked to describe them. I could say the NY trio specializes in noisy punk, and I'd be right for a few minutes, but then I'd have to say they are purveyors of clever, layered pop. Three minutes later it'd be time to rename it yet again, so I won't bother with that. Suffice to say these three guys go with the flow, following their own threads wherever they may lead, through funky exclamations, murky examinations and whirlwind tantrums. The bottom line is Fake Brain won't give the listener a chance to get bored. Most of their songs clock in under two and a half minutes. Deliver the goods and get the hell out. Wish more bands would figure that one out. Their lyrics grab your attention; you find yourself leaning toward the speaker to catch each line and snickering and agreeing wholeheartedly with the sentiments and observations. On punk posers: "You pant and paw and prick - all teeth and fist and dick - disgusting and destroying - but I'd rather be boring than annoying." Happily, Fake Brain are neither.

[Fake Brain's CD can be found at www.cdbaby.com/fakebrain.]

© 2000 - DJ Johnson