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Track by Track:
Genuine Fake - Metamorphosis / Out of Luck
Genuine Fake - Metamorphosis / Out of Luck
Out now through Stargazed Records, Metamorphosis / Out of Luck amalgamates Genuine Fake’s first two EPs into a surrealist new-wave pop adventure. Ahead of their launch tomorrow as part of the label’s Stargazed Festival, we had Thomas Forward, the mastermind behind Genuine Fake, talk us through the album one track at a time.
Since beginning the project in 2017, Genuine Fake has been an outlet for Melbourne musician Tom Forward to invite listeners into his intoxicating world of idiosyncratic alternative-pop, his music often sitting somewhere between lo-fi new wave, dreamy psychedelia and mesmerising synth wave. With two EPs under his belt - Metamorphosis in 2017, followed by Out of Luck a year later - Forward established himself as an enigmatic creative force, his music just as disorientating as it is immersive.
Now a few years on, local audio-visual label Stargazed Records have re-issued the two EPs into one extensive release, and in this fuller format the expansive scope of Genuine Fake can truly be discovered. Across these nine songs, we’re treated to layers of dazzling synths, gleaming guitars and Forward’s shapeshifting vocals, the tracks forever refusing to sit still as their earworming hooks continually wash over us. It’s a kaleidoscopic listen that’s very easy to get lost within, which is why it’s so fitting that a label like Stargazed Records had to be the ones to unearth this gem for us.
Walking us through the album track by track, Tom gave his insights on the wider themes and influences surrounding Metamorphosis / Out of Luck below.
Now a few years on, local audio-visual label Stargazed Records have re-issued the two EPs into one extensive release, and in this fuller format the expansive scope of Genuine Fake can truly be discovered. Across these nine songs, we’re treated to layers of dazzling synths, gleaming guitars and Forward’s shapeshifting vocals, the tracks forever refusing to sit still as their earworming hooks continually wash over us. It’s a kaleidoscopic listen that’s very easy to get lost within, which is why it’s so fitting that a label like Stargazed Records had to be the ones to unearth this gem for us.
Walking us through the album track by track, Tom gave his insights on the wider themes and influences surrounding Metamorphosis / Out of Luck below.
Rendezvous
Inspired by the sounds of Daft Punk and Sebastien Teillier, this one is about learning from those who have been less fortunate, and trying to be humble and gentle.
Realize
A modern take on the early sounds of bedroom new wave. Lyrically it contains themes of growth and trying to be a bit of a better person and learning to rely on other people to help you out.
Inspired by the sounds of Daft Punk and Sebastien Teillier, this one is about learning from those who have been less fortunate, and trying to be humble and gentle.
Realize
A modern take on the early sounds of bedroom new wave. Lyrically it contains themes of growth and trying to be a bit of a better person and learning to rely on other people to help you out.
Metamorphosis
A song about becoming a completely new person (as the name suggests) and trying to forget the past but also being define by it a bit. The chorus is about giving in to the night and drinking a lot to forget everything. Musically it contains big bass riffs and 808s like the rest of the EP.
Panamax
A synth pop, bass pumping pop song about addiction and the various ways we try to find dopamine and serotonin, some healthier than others.
Automaton
A synth punk exploration into the monotony of 9-5 work but the need for structure and the scarcity of time and madness that this can lead to.
Out of Luck
A new wave poppy exploration of being in love with someone but them not loving you back but also that person wanting to be crushed on, so they lead you… but you are aware of that and don’t really mind.
Within Yourself
A song about childhood and loneliness of growing up and trying to remember the past what things were like as a child and what happened to make you into the person you are today. Heavily ‘inspired’ by new order and joy division.
A song about becoming a completely new person (as the name suggests) and trying to forget the past but also being define by it a bit. The chorus is about giving in to the night and drinking a lot to forget everything. Musically it contains big bass riffs and 808s like the rest of the EP.
Panamax
A synth pop, bass pumping pop song about addiction and the various ways we try to find dopamine and serotonin, some healthier than others.
Automaton
A synth punk exploration into the monotony of 9-5 work but the need for structure and the scarcity of time and madness that this can lead to.
Out of Luck
A new wave poppy exploration of being in love with someone but them not loving you back but also that person wanting to be crushed on, so they lead you… but you are aware of that and don’t really mind.
Within Yourself
A song about childhood and loneliness of growing up and trying to remember the past what things were like as a child and what happened to make you into the person you are today. Heavily ‘inspired’ by new order and joy division.
Midnight
A big dark synth mess with stream of consciousness lyrics that touch drunkenness, unhealthy attachment and emotional instability.
I Live For You
A dreamy ballad about overwhelming emotions that you try to avoid but suppressing everything but then forgetting how to feel. Also a song about the one you love.
A big dark synth mess with stream of consciousness lyrics that touch drunkenness, unhealthy attachment and emotional instability.
I Live For You
A dreamy ballad about overwhelming emotions that you try to avoid but suppressing everything but then forgetting how to feel. Also a song about the one you love.
Metamorphosis / Out of Luck has just been reissued on cassette through Stargazed Records - head to stargazedrecords.bandcamp.com to purchase a copy. Genuine Fake play the opening night of Stargazed Festival tomorrow night at Kindred Studios, alongside Lalić, Shock Friendly and more.
