Fake

Fake represents a fascinating case of cross-border musical cross-pollination, primarily known for the Swedish group that found success within the Italian disco production circuit of the mid-1980s. Their sound identity is built on the foundation of 'Italo disco' - a genre characterized by its reliance on the Roland TR-808 and LinnDrum, heavy use of the Yamaha DX7, and a specific melodic earnestness.

The group's 1984 album 'New Art' and the 1985 hit 'Brick' are touchstones of the era, showcasing a sophisticated grasp of electronic arrangement that bridged the gap between underground club music and mainstream pop. Culturally, they occupy a space in the 'second wave' of synth-pop, where the experimentalism of the late 70s was refined into a high-gloss commercial product. Their influence persists in the modern 'Synthwave' and 'Retrowave' movements, where their specific use of gated reverb and arpeggiated sequences is frequently emulated. Critical consensus views them as a quintessential 'cult' act - highly respected by crate-diggers and electronic historians for their contribution to the evolution of European dance music.