Vices Inc does pop punk such justice on “An Everyday Hero”. It is rare when I hear a band that perfectly captures something that I grew up with and adored so heavily but Vices Inc accomplishes it with the greatest of ease. From the incredible guitar riffs that race through to the tremendous power of the rhythm section it comes together in a way that stuns. By far the true heart and soul of the band comes from the visceral energy of the lead vocalist. Her vocals at times touch upon the cathartic release of Kathleen Hanna with her delivery closely approximating pure fire.
References abound throughout, with nods to groups like Bikini Kill. The sheer confidence and swagger of the sound feels absolutely visceral to behold. Attention to detail means that every single gesture matters. Beyond this there is a bit of a latter-day Yeah Yeah Yeahs energy that runs through it. Little flourishes of electro on the outskirts of the sound, and the economical hyperkinetic tempos touch upon the robotic bliss of Ladytron. Vices Inc bring all of these influences together in a way that feels distinctly their own.
Blasting off with a bright brilliant burst of color “Like It’s the Last Time” races forward in a fantastic blur. Mechanical grooves run deep on the defiance of “Giving in but Not Giving Up” features a tremendous commanding presence, as her lyrics have a poetry to them. A reflective ode takes shape on the tender tones of “Don’t Say Goodbye” where they accurately depict a sense of true yearning. The chorus further adds to the magnificent presence of the piece. On “Until It Becomes Forever” features snippets of the Violent Femmes punk folk musings as the acoustic guitar gives it an intimate edge. “Your Pictures Burn the Brightest” goes for a wild, confrontational tact serving as the heart and soul of the entire album, making it a clear highlight.
Usage of field recordings gives “The Lessons in Regret” a sense of purpose for the song has a hard-nosed fury to it, with the guitar riffs gaining a unique edge. A palette cleanser of sorts emerges on the lovely dream pop musings of “With You Again” where a resolution to the tension takes hold. A true slow burner “Worse Than After” shows off their ability to sprawl, resulting in a wild, unhinged journey through the psyche. Effortlessly closing things off is the contemplative ode of “Cause I”.
“An Everyday Hero” shows Vices Inc to excel at taking the template of pop punk and bringing the sound forward with such joyous fury.
