On September 29, 2026, the epic punk collective Fake Names released a new video for the single "If You Could See Me Today" as a preview of their upcoming album "Punk Ruins," which will be released on October 23. The track brings Jangle-Pop to the forefront from the post-hardcore roots of the band from Washington, D.C.: crackling guitars meet a rough bass line and effortlessly catchy vocals, while the band reflects on the remnants of a distant past.
The link to IF YOU COULD SEE ME TODAY is as follows:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hCtuW9nlMQ
On "Punk Ruins," guitarists Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Dag Nasty, Bad Religion) and Michael Hampton (S.O.A., Embrace, The Faith), vocalist Dennis Lyxzén (Refused, INVSN), bassist Johnny Temple (Girls Against Boys, Soulside), and new drummer Mario Rubalcaba (Rocket From The Crypt, OFF!) come together. "Punk Ruins" was produced by Matthew Bernhardt (Superchunk, Bob Mould) at the legendary Electrical Audio Studios in Chicago.
Despite the celebrated status of each member, their collaboration feels completely relaxed. "There are no guidelines or predetermined direction, it just happens," Baker explains, emphasizing: "This album is a collective expression, and a big part of the fun is seeing how the hell it will turn out in the end." The band's musical prowess has elevated the original ideas of Baker and Hampton to a new level while giving Lyxzén space to experiment with different vocal styles. This creative freedom is particularly evident in tracks like the groovy "Diamond Buzz" and the title track with its unmistakable D.C. hardcore sound, further enhanced by Lyxzén's powerful vocals and razor-sharp hooks.
Fake Names is, according to Baker, a "club of mutual admiration," combining British punk from the 70s with classic hardcore energy and dynamic, guitar-driven power pop. The band released their classically rock-oriented self-titled debut album in 2020, followed by "Expendables" in 2023, produced by Adam "Atom" Greenspan (IDLES, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), who gave the band a sonically clearer and fuller sound.
Starting in January 2027, Fake Names will embark on their first European tour, stopping in four German cities.
FAKE NAMES
live in Germany:
January 29, 2027 – Cologne — Club Volta
January 30, 2027 – Munich — Backstage
February 5, 2027 – Hamburg — Knust
February 6, 2027 – Berlin — Lido
