Fake

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the high-energy track "Fake" by The L.A. Maybe from their debut album Dirty Damn Tricks for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This song is a standout for its fast-paced, party-rock vibe, characterized by a driving rhythm and Alvi Robinson’s rapid-fire vocal delivery. According to a review from Life Music Media, "Fake" features a grungy riff and an up-tempo solo, with Robinson spitting out lyrics at "100mph," making it a perfect anthem for those who love their rock with a side of sleaze and swagger. The track’s infectious energy has been likened to Mötley Crüe’s relentless hooks, as noted in a Neckbreaker review, which praised its ability to rip listeners out of their seats with its hymn-like chorus and straight-up rock attitude.

Delving into the song’s creation, guitarist Dallas Dwight shared in an interview with My Amp Music that Dirty Damn Tricks was crafted to blend classic rock influences with modern flair, and "Fake" embodies this ethos with its bold lyrics and powerful riffs. The song’s recording process was a labor of love, with the band focusing on capturing raw, live energy. A Flyctory review highlighted how "Fake" showcases The L.A. Maybe’s ability to deliver handmade rock that feels both nostalgic and fresh, with a quick rhythm that propels the verses forward. Fans on The L.A. Maybe’s Facebook page have echoed this sentiment, often citing "Fake" as a live show favorite for its crowd-pleasing gang-style vocals, which encourage singalongs and fist-pumping moments.

The L.A. Maybe, a six-piece rock outfit from Charlotte, North Carolina, got their start in the most unexpected way—emerging from the ashes of a Journey tribute band. According to their bio on their official website, the band was formed by Dallas Dwight and Drizzle Silvera, who recruited lead vocalist Alvi Robinson after his near-miss audition to replace Brian Johnson in AC/DC in 2016. Robinson, who famously lost his job to attend the audition, brought a gritty, Bon Scott-esque vocal style that became the band’s cornerstone. The lineup was completed with Josh Thompson on keys, Rahsaan Lacey on bass, and Ryan Fosnow on drums, creating a sound that blends the raw energy of Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, and Van Halen with a Southern rock twist. Their self-titled EP in 2019 set the stage for their 2021 debut album Dirty Damn Tricks, which catapulted them into the New Wave of Classic Rock scene.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. Before Robinson joined, The L.A. Maybe struggled with lineup changes and a less defined sound, as noted in a Sleaze Roxx review. An older YouTube video showed them performing at an outdoor fair with Silvera on vocals, but Robinson’s addition was a game-changer, giving them the edge needed to stand out. Their commitment to independence, as highlighted in Neckbreaker, allowed them to maintain creative control, resulting in the raw, unpolished vibe of tracks like "Fake." Fans can connect with the band through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, behind-the-scenes content, and interact with their growing fanbase.

For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, there’s a dedicated Facebook group for The L.A. Maybe fans, where supporters share concert photos, discuss favorite tracks like "Fake," and organize meetups for live shows. While no official fan websites exist, the band’s active presence on Instagram offers a treasure trove of live performance clips and studio insights, often showcasing the twin guitar attack of Dwight and Silvera that defines "Fake." Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, The L.A. Maybe’s blend of classic rock swagger and modern grit makes "Fake" a must-listen, and their story of grit and reinvention is as compelling as their music.