Fake Names - Punk Ruins

Fake Names consists of punk mainstays Brian Baker (Minor Threat, Dag Nasty, Bad Religion), Dennis Lyxzén (Refused, INVSN),  Michael Hampton (S.O.A., Embrace, The Faith), Johnny Temple (Girls Against Boys, Soulside), and new drummer Mario Rubalcaba (Rocket From The Crypt, Off!). Punk Ruins was produced by Matthew Bernhardt (Superchunk, Bob Mould) at Chicago’s iconic Electrical Audio studios.

Despite each member’s celebrated status, their collaboration feels unforced. “There are no guardrails or perceived direction here and this just comes out,” shares Baker, emphasizing, “this album is a collective expression, and a lot of the fun is seeing how the hell it is going to turn out.” The band’s musicianship elevated Baker and Hampton’s initial ideas, while giving Lyxzen room to explore vocal styles. “I think that a lot of these songs give me an opportunity to sing in a way that nowadays I usually don’t,” he explains, “It’s always cool to be able to experiment with your voice, melodic sensibility and language.” That creative freedom shines on tracks like the groove driven “Diamond Buzz” and the title track’s undeniable D.C. hardcore sound, elevated by Lyxzén’s belting vocals and razor-sharp hooks.

Fake Names is a “mutual admiration society,” according to Baker, melding 70’s UK punk with classic hardcore energy and dynamic guitar-driven power-pop. The band released their classic rock-leaning self-titled debut in 2020, followed by 2023’s Expendables, produced by Adam “Atom” Greenspan (IDLES, Yeah Yeah Yeahs), who helmed a sonically cleaner, richer sound for the group.

Fake Names will be heading out on tour in early 2027, with stops across Europe and the UK starting January 28. The US leg kicks off February 18 in Brooklyn, with stops in Washington D.C. (2/19),Los Angeles (2/23), Chicago (2/27), and more. (Contact us with any requests!)