Something Like Sound

There are many ways I could go about starting this review. Perhaps one would be to talk about how Vices I Admire made the move from Fort Collins to Denver around the same time I did. While they kept making music and recording a new record, I decided to start writing about music. Maybe I could start by drawing comparisons to other bands, there are a few to be made here. Vices newest record The Politics of Apathy is a bit like a roughed up version of Incubus with a little bit more attitude. Or, perhaps, I should start by saying this: Vices I Admire have recorded a record that has “in your face” guitar-rock sound, but also realizes that simply blasting people away with rock is not enough.

This record comes kicking right out of the gates. “Keep Killin’ Me” has the kind of driving guitars and catchy choruses that will get anyone moving. The closest thing to a single on the record is track #2, “Heartbreaker.” This song ebbs and flows, while focusing on a central guitar riff. While the rest of the record maintains a similar level of “rock-ness,” not every song is intended to be a head-banger. “Denouement: An Intermezzo” starts the second half of Politics with a simple mix of piano and vocals. However, no momentum is lost from the piano intermission. Even the last track “Monster” keeps high spirits in a Zebrahead-esque manner.

Perhaps one of the best aspects of this record is that Vices I Admire is offering it as a free download via their website. However, that’s not all! (I’m starting to sound like an infomercial pitchman, dang). They’re giving the physical-copy CD a proper release with a show at the Bluebird on January 1. The show is only $5 with a discount ticket available on www.vicesiadmire.com

Listen to Heartbreaker right here

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