My Top 10 Albums of 2005: #3

#3: Faker - Addicted Romantic
Faker had been sitting in the corner of the metaphorical room since 2001, creating great little pop-rock tunes, perfecting their lineup and patiently waiting for the time they would stride into the limelight. It was this year that the pieces fell into place and Faker announced themselves to Australia. I wasn't the only one swept up and impressed by their stuff along the way as the Sydneysiders played support after support before the release of their debut album and a bunch of headlining spots to follow. Well supported by Triple J and earning a J Award nomination, Faker hit all the right notes.

I find their music addictive. The album encompasses a range of moods, so there always seems a companion track for anything I'm up to. Importantly, I've seen that energy that Faker have live, and it carries over to the album too. It's that sort of energy on Enough that got me interested in Faker's music, from a free download off their site. Other budding bands should take note and do the same!

Quarter To Three is a song that's got it all and could win them fans anywhere in the world. Kids On Overload is another nugget from an earlier EP. The Familiar and Hurricane are two more songs with great appeal and heavily rotated on Triple J. I can't single out the whole damn album, but it feels nearly necessary! Addicted Romantic is just a well constructed album, with that solid rocking start (Bodies) and the semi-epic ending (Ghosts) I like so much.

It's actually hard to know if I want bands like Faker to be a huge success, such is the regularity that I have attended their trips down to Melbourne. If the follow-up album is close to this, I'll be very impressed. So at least from this reviewer, Faker have created the best Australian release of the year, beating the likes of End of Fashion, Wolfmother, Kisschasy and Gyroscope.