Initially releasing their debut single ‘Truth’ in 2022, Brighton based duo fakeyourdeath have quickly gained a strong reputation in the UK underground for their electric live performances and their undeniably unique sound. Think Alice Glass-esque electronic pop, chest pounding industrial and furiously aggro post-hardcore thrown in a blender and you’ve got a general sense of the chaos. With only a handful of singles to their name, in 2023 the band found themselves with a wide range of opportunities, opening shows for the likes of Simon Neil and Mike Vennart’s avant-garde extreme project Empire State Bastard, sonic terror enthusiasts Frontierer, rave punks Tokky Horror and alt-pop sensation Zand. Finally fakeyourdeath are ready to unveil their debut in full with EP null/void, made up of the three singles released so far alongside two new tracks.
Related: “It’s fun to make people feel uncomfortable” – Introducing fakeyourdeath
2023 single ‘consume’ functions as a perfect opening statement for the EP. Laying a bed low subdued electronic beats and pulses that meld into a frenetic and choppy instrumental, blossoming and warping with electronic stutters in a forceful industrial punk aggression with an unhinged breakdown to close. ‘humanity’ oozes euro-rave energy in the synth lines front and centre with vocalist Candi Underwood giving an ethereal and hypnotic performance with her clean vocals. The synth melody is undeniably massive and the band keep a tight grip on a underlying intensity brewing throughout.
“The two unreleased tracks “hell” and “broken” sit comfortably as the centrepiece for the full release.”
The two unreleased tracks ‘hell’ and ‘broken’ sit comfortably as the centrepiece for the full release. ‘hell’ is more subdued, despite the abrasive noise cutting through the opening seconds. The low-key and intimate verse barrels into a bouncy chorus with another massive synth hook. The vocals start to layer as the track continues, adding the abrasive screams alongside the almost spoken word cleans. ‘broken’ brings the pace back up again, electronic kick and snare drive the intro with a choppy arp synth. The snarky delivery of “why can’t you just be everything I ever fucking wanted?” is strangely infectious and makes the cathartic rush of the cyberpunk soundtrack feeling chorus that much more impactful.
Production was handled by the ever excellent Wayne Adams (Green Lung, Wallowing, Big Lad), handling the noise heavy instrumentals and vocals with ease, bringing out the best of both Sam Barnes and Carrie Underwood. There are a great range of textures and tones present across the five tracks that feel distinct when required but still wholly under the same roof as one another, curating a distinctive style for the band. Debut single from 2022 ‘truth’ has ended up as the EP’s closing track and it sits in the perfect spot. Closing null/void on a distressing and intense high energy note that is sure to leave a lasting impression for those just sinking their teeth in fakeyourdeath for the first time.
Equal parts hypnotic, chaotic and furious; it is no wonder fakeyourdeath have as much undistllled hype behind them as they do. The collection of null/void as a whole is fantastic for those completely unfamiliar with the band and delightfully chaotic in its delivery. The initial singles feel great, new cuts ‘hell’ and ‘broken’ are excellent additions and further push the intriguing blend of styles fakeyourdeath have honed in on. Everything fits snugly together and the flow between them hits just right. As far as debut EP’s go null/void is a killer introduction to a band well worth keeping your eyes on to see what they cook up next.