“Beer battered garage” outfit Faux Slang is comprised of Rick Hass, Adam Herndon (A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Pet Milk), Dan Verechia (all former members of This Radiant Boy), and Ian Nauroth. Their self-titled EP is infectious, upbeat, and fast. Recorded in South PHL and produced by Josh Meakim (A Sunny Day in Glasgow) and the band, Faux Slang, released by RIPE Records, fills the auditory gap between Goner Records rebels like Quintron and the polished poise of the Soft Pack (ex-the Muslims). Possibly more on the polished side, the EP oscillates between reckless abandon and concise psych pop.
With the shrieking chords of “Ha Ha Bang Bang,” Faux Slang’s organ intro accents the crash of cymbals and relentless guitar. Despite the psyched out vibe of their opening track, Faux Slang’s vocals come off crisp, with a slight disconnect from its instrumented counterpart, leaving the cohesion between its chords and vocal diction distanced. Thankfully, slight reverb licks via guitar cuddle close to layered vocals redeeming the easy to discern divide between the band’s nearly clean-cut diction and delectably retro riffs. Easing seamlessly into “Golden Throats,” the album’s first serves as a befitting prologue to it’s second. Coupling trebly organ with subtle tambourine, “Golden Throats” is melodically moody and mellow, fashioning itself as a subdued but heartfelt chant amidst relatively less pensive tracks. With hints of surfy undertones, the core of “Golden Throats” brings to mind the chilled out soundscapes of more pop-based acts like West Palm’s Surfer Blood or Beach Fossil’s pre-mastered EP cuts, yet with more texture, tension, and edge. “Curious Prudes” is an instant charmer with percussive warmth that permeates throughout the song’s advance. Jangly in all the right ways, “Curious Prudes” harbors feelings of longing, yet with a clear-headed energy often lacking in post-punk EPs. Here, Faux Slang is straightforward, yet with the finesse of a poet. It’s uncomplicated, but captivates. Equally jangly with a more fuzzed out feel, “Human Heroes” is a ready-made single, lacking the disconnect that impedes the potential of “Ha Ha Bang Bang.” “Human Heroes” flows without flaw and ends all too soon. The final track of Fang Slang flickers in like a flame from a lit match. With its staccato drumstick clicks and steady guitar strums, “Settin’ Fire” keeps the interest of its listener yet feels less full than its prior track (“Human Heroes”). Subtle distortion near the three-minute mark deepens the impact of its progression, leaving its latter half near-instrumental psych. Just shy of five minutes, “Settin’ Fire” is a charismatic closer to an all-together notable EP. You can purchase the self-titled EP digitally now HERE and/or pre-order the 12" vinyl, which will be available on July 5, via RIPE Records. – Dianca Potts