To say that a line-up which features Discharge vocalist Jeff (JJ) Janiak, guitarist Stig Miller (Amebix), drummer Roy Mayorga (Nausea/Amebix) and bassist JP Parsons is an enticing prospect would be an understatement. This type of musical pedigree promises us that something special looms on the horizon in the form of Let Them Eat Fake (Neurot Recordings).

The album’s title is an allusion to Marie Antoinette‘s infamous phrase (though it’s debatable whether it should be attributed to her) which was seen as a frivolous comment by an increasingly out-of-touch queen. This ignorance of her people’s dismal plight spelled not only her own doom, but also the monarchy’s and led to the foundation of the first French Republic. By extension this can be seen as somewhat reflective of the band members own revolutionary zeal.

Initially, I was taken aback a little by the sound that greeted me on “Superficial”, because if like me you were expecting a torrent of raging hardcore, D-beat and crust-punk then you’re going to be in for a bit of a shock. Instead the track recalls the dark post-Punk of Joy Division with vocal moments reminiscent of that band’s late vocalist Ian Curtis. There are some shades of Gothic drama too, a la Sisters of Mercy as well as referencing more contemporary acts such as Lotus Thrones too. A superb opener. 

“The Tyrant Dies” could be a reference to any political leader currently doing the rounds, even wishful thinking one could say. The track is a little punchier and more aggressive than its predecessor recalling the proto-industrial vibes of Killing Joke. With Janiak’s punk snarl certainly evident, it also has the spirit of Discharge present, albeit not in the speed sense. The main vocal refrain of “We will rise!” is both infectious and goosebump inducing and has me recalling Amebix at their finest; I miss that band and I can see the crowd chanting along to that section during live performances. Another bonafide winner.

“Echoes of Compromise” gets more experimental with nods to New Wave, and is a little denser in sound. It feels less immediate and it is to the band’s credit that they are willing to take musical risks along the way and experiment. “The Big Sleep” has a little more pace to it despite its relatively slow build-up with some of the track’s overall creepiness and (at times) metallic riffing reminding one of Slayer. Sonically it is the stuff of nightmares, and I for one ain’t complaining. 

“Dreadful Necessities” again highlights the band’s Killing Joke influence but in a more explicit sense, there is a hypnotic danceable quality with JJ channelling Jaz Coleman at his frighteningly apocalyptic best. Let’s be honest, as a huge Killing Joke fan, this was always going to be of huge appeal to me. “Mass Debate” is another belter, its propulsive incendiary quality reminiscent of the legendary New Model Army, as well as more contemporary outfits as Poison Ruïn, while “The One Thing We Cannot Avoid” is a beautiful acoustic led folky piece about the inevitability of death. Considering how we’ve all lived under the shadow of COVID in recent times this feels absolutely relevant. A sombre yet strangely comforting way to conclude the record.

Supergroups can be a dismal affair, but thankfully this is about as far removed from an adult-orientated snoozefest as you can get. At thirty minutes Let Them Eat Fake is a brisk affair, and one which is a veritable delight to listen to. Highly recommended.

Buy the album here:

https://falsefed.bandcamp.com/album/let-them-eat-fake

9 / 10

REZA MILLS