Vices Inc

Since their formation in 2019, Portland, Maine’s Vices Inc has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying and innovative acts in alternative music. Defying genre boundaries and embracing artistic evolution, this female-fronted quartet has delivered a consistent stream of engaging, emotionally resonant music. Their latest release, ‘Alkaline Kiss’, is a 19-track tour de force that showcases the band’s growth, versatility, and dedication to their craft. Still combining subtle elements of punk, new wave and pop, the band has now evolved into the vibrant tapestry of alternative rock that seamlessly blends nostalgic influences with modern cutting-edge creativity.



At the heart of Vices Inc is the undeniable chemistry among its four members: Eleanor Langthorne (lead vocals, viola), Jagger Hicks (guitars, keyboards, backing vocals), Hanna Leigh Adams (bass), and Kristy Yeaton (drums). Each brings a unique element to the band’s sound, and together they form an ensemble greater than the sum of its parts. Langthorne’s commanding vocal presence, rich with theatrical flair, is matched by Hicks’s deft guitar work and retro-inspired synth textures. Adams’s basslines are groove-heavy yet melodic, anchoring the sound with finesse, while Yeaton’s intricate drumming provides both drive and nuance. This collective synergy is evident throughout ‘Alkaline Kiss’, as each track reveals a new layer of the band’s sonic and emotional depth.

Langthorne has often credited her bandmates as sources of inspiration, a sentiment that resonates across the album. This is not merely a collection of songs but a collaborative expression of artistry, where individual strengths combine to form a unified and powerful voice. Hicks’s ability to blend lush synth lines with explosive guitar riffs adds a dramatic flair to the band’s sound, while Adams and Yeaton craft rhythm sections that are both dynamic and compelling. The result is an album that balances technical precision with heartfelt emotion, a hallmark of Vices Inc’s evolving sound.



From its bold opening to its poignant conclusion, ‘Alkaline Kiss’ takes listeners on a journey through soundscapes that evoke a spectrum of emotions. The album begins with the dynamic burst of energy found in “Bright Skies Overcast,” blending jangling guitars, rumbling basslines, and soaring vocals. This immersive start establishes the tone for an album that explores themes of empowerment, resilience, identity, and self-discovery. The rebellious spirit of “Truculent” follows with its faster pace, angular guitar riffs, and propulsive rhythms, capturing the defiance of standing firm in one’s convictions.

“Unsure Within Insecurities” offers anthemic choruses and relentless guitar-driven grooves, delving into themes of self-doubt and personal growth. Its layered instrumentation creates a tension that mirrors the lyrical narrative, ultimately resolving in an uplifting chorus. “Cinnamon” stands out with rollercoaster rhythms and an infectious drive, pulling listeners into a whirlwind of kinetic energy. Meanwhile, “Right Through” strikes a delicate balance between moody undertones and radio-ready melodies, a track that exemplifies the band’s ability to craft songs that are both introspective and widely appealing.

The emotional high point of “Like Cyanide” combines intensity with vulnerability, delivering a haunting yet cathartic sonic experience. Langthorne’s voice soars with raw emotion, backed by Hicks’s cascading guitar lines and Adams’s driving bass. This is followed by the high-energy “Only a Fool,” featuring bone-crushing riffs and pounding rhythms that showcase the band’s rock sensibilities. The thumping basslines and driving beats of “Selective Memory” capture the bittersweet struggle of unraveling fleeting moments, while “Imposter Syndrome” layers lush guitars and rich vocal harmonies to explore themes of self-perception and authenticity.



Tracks like “I Really Wanna (This Time)” and “Faux Personality” maintain the album’s tension and infectious energy, their vibrant arrangements propelling the listener forward. In contrast, “Feeling So Alive” offers a rhythmic respite with soulful vocals set against groove-laden instrumentation, a track that radiates warmth and optimism. “It’s Not Like That” returns to throbbing basslines and jangling guitars, melding them perfectly with emotionally charged lead vocals.

“Too Far Down” provides a deeply introspective moment, pairing shimmering guitars with Langthorne’s evocative vocals. Its narrative of vulnerability and resilience resonates deeply, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys. The cinematic detour of “Madrugada” stands out as a bold experiment, blending eerie keys with haunting vocal textures. This track’s atmospheric quality creates a dreamlike interlude that transitions seamlessly into the overdriven intensity of “Vilify.”

“Forgotten Dust” is built on euphoric rhythms and soaring melodies, capturing a sound of triumph and liberation. This leads into “I Will Be Your Safe Bet,” a showcase of the band’s versatility through sweeping, tempo-shifting dynamics. As the album approaches its conclusion, it offers a deeply personal touch with “My Little Dreamer.” Accompanied by strummed acoustic guitar, Langthorne’s heartfelt vocals leave a lasting impression, closing the album on an intimate and poignant note.



The sequencing of ‘Alkaline Kiss’ is a masterclass in storytelling through music. By weaving together high-octane rock anthems, introspective slow-burners, and experimental compositions, Vices Inc creates a narrative arc that mirrors the complexities of the human experience. Uplifting rhythms, moody reflections, and cathartic crescendos are carefully balanced, ensuring that each track contributes meaningfully to the album’s overall impact. This careful curation allows the album to function as both a collection of standout singles and a cohesive artistic statement.

Langthorne’s background in theater is evident throughout the album, as her vocal performances are imbued with dramatic flair and emotional depth. Her lyrics, rich with vivid imagery and thoughtful prose, transform deeply personal experiences into universal anthems. Whether she’s delivering sultry croons or fiery proclamations, Langthorne’s voice is the emotional core of ‘Alkaline Kiss’. Her ability to inhabit a range of personas within her songs lends an operatic quality to the album, further elevating its thematic complexity.

While ‘Alkaline Kiss’ nods to the pop-punk and new wave sounds that inspired Vices Inc, it seriously embraces the hard-hitting aesthetics of contemporary alternative rock. Jagger Hicks’ retro-inspired synths and sharp guitar riffs blend seamlessly with Kristy Yeaton’s intricate drumming and Hanna Leigh Adams’s groove-laden basslines. This fusion of eras ensures the band’s appeal will span generations, attracting both longtime genre enthusiasts and newcomers to guitar-driven alt-rock. The band’s willingness to experiment with genre and style speaks to their commitment to artistic growth, a hallmark of their evolving sound.



Since their debut, Vices Inc has released nine albums, two EPs, and numerous singles under the Southie Heights Records label. Their electrifying live performances, including hosting the Vices Music Festival, have cemented their status as a cornerstone of New England’s music scene. With ‘Alkaline Kiss’, they’ve not only expanded their artistic horizons but also reinforced their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Langthorne’s theatrical background, Hicks’s instrumental ingenuity, Adams’s melodic sensibility, and Yeaton’s rhythmic precision converge to create a body of work that feels both timeless and relevant.

In February 2025, the band will embark on a Northwest U.S. tour, bringing the energy and emotion of ‘Alkaline Kiss’ to live audiences. A vinyl edition of the album will also be available, offering fans a tangible piece of this groundbreaking work. This tour promises to be a celebration of the band’s journey, a chance for fans to connect with the music on a deeper level.

‘Alkaline Kiss’ is a celebration of sound, identity, and artistic passion. Stream it on all major platforms, pre-order the vinyl release, and experience the transformative power of Vices Inc. This is music that demands to be heard, felt, and celebrated—a testament to the boundless possibilities of independent alternative music. By embracing their influences while forging a path uniquely their own, Vices Inc has delivered a work that stands as a defining moment in their career and a beacon for the indie movement. - Hit On Indie

Hello Vices Inc and welcome to College Radio Charts! Now that 2024 is winding down, how has the year been for you? And can you introduce us to the band?
Hey! Thank you so much, we are so happy to be here! We’ve got our drummer Kristy, our bassist Hanna Leigh, I’m Eleanor the lead vocalist, and then there’s Jagger who does pretty much everything, if we’re being honest. Primarily guitar if you want the short answer. This year has been kind of a whirlwind! We really ramped up our live performance schedule, and have been keeping busy with a single release each month plus our debut of Alkaline Kiss!

Congratulations on the new release Alkaline Kiss! What inspired the sonic evolution from pop-punk to alternative/post-modern rock for this album?
Thank you! We are really proud of this project, and we’re just so excited for people to hear it. We have kind of always known that this is a style that we wanted to further explore, and I think this is just where we are at right now as a group. We luckily are a group of people who really enjoy a lot of different genres of music, and that’s something that we like to celebrate!

Alkaline Kiss spans 19 tracks across four sides—what drove you to create such an ambitious double album?
I think when Alkaline Kiss was first dreamt up, it was about half as long. As we worked on it, we just realized that we wanted this to be an epic project, and Jagger continued to be inspired to write more music that fit this project. A lot of our projects start out smaller and end up double in length by the end, which is definitely okay with us! The bottom line is we like to create music, and you can never have enough.

Can you share the story behind the opening track, “Bright Skies Overcast”? Itsets such a poignant tone for the album.
“Bright Skies Overcast” is a really special one for us. I think that the dark, moody atmosphere really sets the tone well for the rest of the album, and helped inspire some of the other tracks on there as well. I remember Jagger excitedly showed us this track after he had created it, and instantly I knew exactly what the vocal melody was supposed to be. Jagger had already come up with the name, which is something that I always use to help me come up with lyrics. The story behind the lyrics is that they’re actually based on the actions of someone I used to know. They were always chasing happiness and thinking that they would find it outside of themselves. Like, they knew that they were unhappy, so they moved to a new city thinking that would solve all of their problems. When they discovered that they were still unhappy, they thought that maybe it was their relationship that was the problem. After ending their relationship, they were still unhappy and they moved to a new city. I hope that eventually they were able to find happiness by looking inward, but I don’t know. The phrase “Bright Skies Overcast” reminded me of this concept– like the sun is there, it’s providing light, but you can’t reach it. It’s unattainable behind just a solid wall of clouds in every direction. I hope that makes sense.

The interplay of viola and guitar throughout the album is striking. How did that dynamic influence the songwriting and production process?
It’s kind of funny actually. So I have played viola for a long time, and it’s something that we used to incorporate into our music a little bit more in the early days. At some point, Jagger had asked me to do viola on a song and I had been hesitant to do so (I don’t even remember why). So he thought I didn’t want to play viola on our music anymore, and he stopped asking me to. I noticed that he stopped asking me to play, and I just assumed he didn’t want me to play viola on our songs anymore. So I didn’t for like a year! Flash forward to Alkaline Kiss, and Jagger kind of casually suggests that we add viola to one of the songs. All of this ends up coming up, and we realize that we had a big misunderstanding about the whole thing. Long story short, adding the viola to some of the songs was like adding the finishing touches. We didn’t necessarily plan to have it there from the beginning, but we felt like it sounded more complete with it there!

“Truculent” has quickly garnered a lot of streams on Spotify. Congrats! How did this track come to life in the studio?
Thank you so much! That’s another favorite of ours. It was the same kind of thing, Jagger was like “I wrote this song today, do you want to hear it?” Which of course we said yes to. As soon as I heard this one, it was like how I felt about “Bright Skies Overcast” – I knew what the vocal melody was going to be. There are certain songs that Jagger writes that I feel this connection to. It almost feels like I have secret intel from the future. The vocal melody just comes out of me with very little effort, and it just feels like that is what it was always meant to be. I worked really hard on the lyrics for this one too. I garnered a lot of inspiration from the definition of the word “Truculent” and decided to write a song that reflects on what it is like to be enraged as a woman. I think that the feeling of rage is the same for any person, but society reacts very differently to someone who is angry based on their social identity. This song is for anyone who has ever been justifiably enraged, and had that feeling undercut by a comment like “well, she’s probably just on her period.” I think that a lot of people can relate to that.

Eleanor, your lyrics explore themes like identity and self-doubt. How do you balance personal storytelling with broader relatability?
Honestly, I try not to think about it! I love storytelling in general, and I infuse a lot of my actor training into my lyric writing. I try to write stories that are compelling, either true or from the perspective of a character that I have imagined, and I hope that people can connect with the material that I am putting out there. I remember I did this writing workshop once where we talked about how people have an easier time relating to things that are highly specific, which is counter intuitive. For example, the track “Imposter Syndrome” was written like a therapeutic writing exercise. My whole life, I have struggled doing anything that I wasn’t naturally good at in the first place. Like it’s really difficult for me to practice something that I’m bad at. I didn’t realize that this is literally a specific type of imposter syndrome. It felt really vulnerable to put these thoughts and feelings out in the open, but I think that even if people have never felt this way, they will still be able to connect with the overall vulnerability of the song.

Jagger, as the producer and primary composer, how do you ensure the band’s evolving sound still feels cohesive and authentic?
With every project we’re involved in, I try to set a foundation for the band to build off of. Usually I write a few songs that have a common theme not in the sense of a storyline but more in the lines of being symmetric with how the tone of each song connects to one and another. Once we get going in the project, which usually starts with Kristy, most songs start with her drum lines, we then build the layers that we feel would compliment the song.
I don’t pay attention to anything trendy, that’s not how this band was built. But we do pay close attention to production of our music so we can make sure the listener is getting the best experience we can offer them. We’re growing as artists with every project we start, so it makes easier for us to change with it but sound authentic cause it was a natural progression for us.

With Alkaline Kiss being mastered at Abbey Road Studios for vinyl, what does thisformat mean to you as a band?
Hanna Leigh and Jagger specifically are OBSESSED with vinyl. They are constantly browsing thrift shops and record stores in an effort to expand their collections. If we go to a show together, there is a 100% chance that they will purchase a vinyl record if it is available at the merch table. We’re really happy to finally have something out there using this medium!

Who inspires you? Who are some of your influences?
Such a tough question! I think we are learning that we tend to be easily inspired. I know that for this album specifically, Jagger was thinking along the lines of bands like Brand New and Radiohead. Personally, I draw a lot of inspiration from Badflower, Paramore, and Demi Lovato, both in terms of lyric writing and vocal performance. Hanna Leigh leans more towards progressive rock bands like Rush and Styx while Kristy leans more towards metal bands like Lacuna Coil and Motörhead.

What’s your approach to arranging such diverse tracks? Is there a method to how songs like “Cinnamon” and “Selective Memory” fit into the album’s flow?
Usually what we end up doing is kind of playing around with the tracklist to find the best flow possible. Like we’ll create a playlist with all of the songs (in various degrees of completion) and try them in different orders until we find out what works. We try to pay close attention to how a song sounds when it’s ending and leading into the next song’s beginning. It’s really important to us to create something cohesive that takes the listener on a journey.

Vices Inc has released nine albums since 2019. What has been the key to maintaining such prolific output without losing creative energy?
The key is really Jagger. He won’t say it because he’s modest, but I can. He is truly gifted when it comes to creating new music. We’ll show up for practice sometimes and he’ll be like, “oh, by the way, I wrote four new songs today.” And they’re all amazing! It just comes so easily to him. It definitely inspires me when I’m working on the vocal melody and the lyrics, and having such a strong foundation to begin with helps the other pieces fall into place.

How has your move to Portland, Maine, and the establishment of your own studio influenced the band’s artistry?
I think that having our own studio is another key component to maintaining our high output. We have the ability to record whenever we want and without time constraints. It is so freeing to not have to worry about wasting valuable studio time, because we are not feeling any sort of scarcity with this resource. It’s really amazing.

Reflecting on your roots as a pop-punk band, how do you view your earlier work in the context of where you are now?
We are definitely proud of what we’ve done in the past, but we just feel like we’re in a different place with our music right now. Everyone in the band is really happy with where our sound is going, and it’s constantly evolving which keeps us on our toes and makes creating music a lot more fun!

With a Northeast tour on the horizon, how do you approach translating the depth and intricacy of Alkaline Kiss into a live setting?
The cool thing about Alkaline Kiss is there are a few songs on this album that we were playing live before we ever recorded them. I think that’s a common thing for most bands, but for us we usually record first and then tweak the arrangement for a live performance. So songs like “Like Cyanide” and “Selective Memory” were live before we committed them to a track. We’ve been having a lot of fun over the last few months arranging some of the other songs for live performance. I think this album was different from previous albums because a lot of it was recorded with the specific intention of eventually being performed live. Some of our other projects we knew were going to just be recording projects, but Alkaline Kiss is one that we have always wanted to really showcase. We’re working on “Bright Skies Overcast” right now, which is one of our favorite songs as a band, and we are so excited for the live debut!

Thanks so much for spending some time with us today! Where can people go to find out more about Vices Inc?
Thank you so much for having us! We are everywhere! Definitely check out our website (www.vicesinc.com) to stay up to date with the latest shows and take a peek at our new merch, and follow us on all of the streaming platforms and socials (Facebook: “Vices Inc” + Instagram: @vices
.inc.band + TikTok: @vices.inc) so you can hear our new releases as soon as they drop! - College Radio Charts

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. - Entropy Magazine

Vices Inc’s Alkaline Kiss: A Bold New Chapter for Portland’s Alt-Rock Rebels

By the time you’ve reached the halfway point of Alkaline Kiss, the latest offering from Portland, Maine’s Vices Inc, you’re struck with the sensation of witnessing a band evolve in real time. Their ninth album, produced with polish and bite by guitarist Jagger Hicks, marks a sonic metamorphosis for the quartet, shedding their pop-punk roots for a daring dive into the moody depths of alternative and post-modern rock. The result is a sprawling double album—four sides, 19 tracks—that feels as cohesive as it is ambitious.

From the opening notes of “Bright Skies Overcast,” the shift in tone is palpable. Eleanor Langthorne’s voice—equal parts raw emotion and theatrical precision—cuts through Hicks’ layered guitars and shimmering keyboards. The track’s delicate balance of melancholy and hope sets the stage for an album that feels deeply introspective yet universally resonant. Lyrically, Langthorne navigates themes of identity, self-doubt, and redemption with a poet’s pen and a punk’s heart.

The standout tracks are plentiful. “Unsure Within Insecurities” is a gut-punch of vulnerability wrapped in driving percussion from Kristy Jo Yeaton, while “Cinnamon” offers a haunting, viola-infused number that showcases Langthorne’s dual talents as a vocalist and string player. On the second side, “Like Cyanide” delivers Cure-esque soundscapes with a hook that’s impossible to shake, and “Imposter Syndrome” plays like a confessional set to an arena-ready anthem.

By the time Alkaline Kiss reaches its back half, the band takes listeners on a more experimental journey. The cinematic “Madrugada” feels like a late-night epiphany, its name (Spanish for “early hours of the morning”) capturing the mood of existential reckoning. “Vilify,” a slow-burning crescendo of sound, transitions into “Forgotten Dust,” a track so emotionally raw it might leave you in silence long after its final chord fades.

What truly elevates Alkaline Kiss is its attention to detail. Hicks’ production is sharp but never overbearing, allowing Hanna Leigh Adams’ basslines to shine with a groove that anchors even the album’s most atmospheric moments. The interplay between Langthorne’s viola and Hicks’ guitar work feels like a dialogue, underscoring the theatricality that has become Vices Inc’s signature.

It’s worth noting the care the band has taken with this release. A vinyl version, currently being mastered at Abbey Road Studios, is set to drop in March 2025, a nod to their commitment to the album’s immersive experience. Their Northeast tour in early 2025 promises to bring these songs to life on stage, where Vices Inc have built their reputation as a must-see act.

With Alkaline Kiss, Vices Inc have crafted not just an album, but a statement. It’s a bold step forward for a band unafraid to redefine themselves while staying true to the spirit that’s driven them since their pop-punk days. For long-time fans and new listeners alike, this is the sound of a band hitting their stride and daring to dream bigger.

https://www.vicesinc.com/
https://www.instagram.com/vices.inc.band/ - College Radio Charts

This is a 16-track album which from start to finish will take you be surprise - and it will have you laughing, dancing and crying in equal measures. Opening track draws you in with a bang, raucous guitar and rich backing vocals. You can instantly tell this is going to be an insatiably catchy album. Second track ‘An Everyday Hero’, the title of the album itself, is a beautiful punk-rock ballad, about the quotidian superhero. We really hear how powerful the lead vocal is in this track. This is a band who mesh together genres too; ’Arcade Love’ has a hint of synthpop in there, with an 80s-inspired synth lead before erupting into punk-pop. We hear acoustic guitar in ‘Don’t Say Goodbye’, brining a singer-songwriter style to the table, and more of a country-folk feel.

Track 7 is full of attitude and reminds us of the band Paramore - ‘Far from Typical’ is a celebration of being different and refusing to stick to the ‘norm’. There’s more of a heavy feel with track 8, with menacing male backing vocals in a screamo style, and it will certainly please you metalheads out there. What’s so infectious about this album is it’s versatility, in terms of genre, themes and instrumentation. Vices Inc are also unafraid of experimentation, as can be heard in the eerie ‘The Lessons in Regret’ which keeps us in suspense throughout a very drawn-out minimal introduction featuring field recordings and sparse drums only. Track 13 is equally as kooky with a distorted child’s voice singing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’; it’s haunting and sweet all at the same time, and you’ll have to give it a listen to truly appreciate it. The penultimate track features FM radio samples; again something of the kooky added! Within final track ‘Cause I’, the child’s voice is back and the album comes full circle. The sleek production of the tracks bring it all together and there’s clearly a great knowledge of songwriting and musicality at the core of this band and their album. They are pushing the boundaries and daring to be themselves. As they say on their Facebook bio: ‘Be who you want to be’. - Curious For Music

Was ist denn das? Ein Albumcover im Comicstil gehalten mit dem Namen A Everyday Hero? Nicht nur der Comic Fan wird beim Anblick des Artworks der ersten Langspielplatte der us-amerikanischen Alternative- bzw. Pop-Punk Formation Vices Inc. neugierig, sondern auch der Musikfan. Wenn man sich das Layout der Scheibe das erste mal anschaut, so ist das ganze Werk ein Blickfang, der neugierig auf den musikalischen Inhalt macht. Im Jahr 2019 in Portland, Maine gegründet, besteht das Trio aus zwei männlichen Mitgliedern und einer weiblichen Sängerin, welche sich zusammengefunden haben und nun die Superhelden des Pop-Punk bzw. Alternative Rock verkörpern. von Southie Heights Records veröffentlicht, beinhaltet A Everyday Hero 16 akustische Heldentaten, denen wir uns in diesem Artikel etwas näher widmen wollen.

Stilistisch mit einer Mischung aus (Pop-) Punk, Alternative Rock und auch EMO, sind die Einflüsse der us-amerikanischen, jungen Rocker doch schon Divers angesiedelt, mit dem ersten von insgesamt sechzehn TIteln, geht bereits regelrecht der pop geschwängerte Punk ab! Nach einem mit mächtig attack unterlegten schwingenden Keyboardintro, dass von einem Weckerklingeln unterbrochen wird, leitet der Opener Let It Be The last Time ein. Was das heldenhafte Trio hier abliefert, bläst regelrecht den Staub aus den Boxen und euch die Ohren durch! Direkt zügig zur Sache kommend, haut die Band einen Punkrock Song aus den Boxen, der in typischer Punkmanier minimalistisch funktioniert und dennoch durch ein präzises Instrumentenfeeling verkörpert wird. Die energische Teenagestimme der Sängerin, wird somit von einer druckvollen musikalischen Leistung begleitet, bei der angetrieben von schweißtreibenden, schnellen Drums, energisch aus den Boxen poltert. Hier haben die Punkrocksuperhelden direkt zu Beginn eine Nummer abgeliefert, welche die müden geister aufweckt und bei der kein Bein stehen bleibt. Songwriterisch und gesanglich auf einem top-Niveau, sind Vices Inc. mehr als nur eine weitere Band des Sammelbeckens der Alternative Produktionen und liefern auf dem gesamten Album An Everyday Hero ein musikalisches Spektakel ab, wobei in den Musikern ein Feuer lodert, dass man einfach nur lieben kann. Weiter geht es direkt mit dem Titeltrack A Everyday Hero, dass nach dem Spokenword Intro: ,,Auf Große Macht, folgt große Verantwortung“ zunächst gemäßigt einleitet und den Gesang der Sängerin zunächst in den Fokus hebt, bis die Band dann loslegt und einen Geschwindigkeits-variablen Track aus der Hi-Fi Anlage schleudert, der mit einigen Breaks daherkommt und dabei aber nicht unruhig oder anstrengend wirkt, sondern eher nach der musikalischen Versiertheit, welche man bei diesem Projekt erwartet. Langweilige Fahrstuhlmusik ist das was Vices Inc. auf ihrem heldenhaften Debüt abliefern nicht, denn zügig legen sie los, auch wenn sie den Muskeln der tanzenden Partygäste mal mit etwas Mäßigung etwas Ruhe gönnen. Drummer, Gitarrist und Bassist begleiten die Rockröhre auf souveräne Art und erweißen sich zusammen als eingespieltes Team, welches nicht nur songwriterische Qualitäten vorweißen kann, sondern das auch kompositorisch weiß, wo es hinfassen muss. Einzelne Leadparts aus der Gitarre setzen dem Arrangement des Songs An Everyday Hero die Versiegelung auf und so rockt die Band mächtig drauf los. Mit einer Synthesizerpartitur wird der mächtig polternde Punkrock auf Going In But Not Giving Up zum Ausdruck gebracht. Diese sind hierbei aber nicht aufdringlich, sondern halten sich im Hintergrund und stützen eher das Arrangement aus zielstrebigen Bass- und Gitarren, welches erneut den harmonisch melodischen Gesang der Frontfrau zum Tragen bringt.

Acarde Love scheint dann zunächst mal etwas ganz anderes zu sein! Mit elektronischen Drumbeats, Synthbässen und Leadsynthesizern leitet der Song ein und man könnte fast meinen, es handele sich hierbei um ein Experiment, welches den ganzen Song ziert, doch dem ist nicht so. Auch hier liefern Vice Inc. erneut ihre geballte Rockpower, bevor sie aber zunächst elektronische Klänge in den Vordergrund stellen, welcher zunächst die stimmlich versierte Sängerin begleiten. Nach einem Videogame Effekt leitet dann ein gemäßigter Song zwischen Alternative Rock und Punk ein, der kurzerhand von elektronischen Soundeffekten erweitert wurde, die einen gewissen Bindestrich zwischen den einzelnen Elementen bildet. Der Gesang der Powerfrontfrau wird kurzerhand von einer männlichen Stimme im Wechsel ergänzt und instrumental, spielt das Superhero Trio Vice Inc. erneut ihr Programm aus gestandener Alternative manier und Punkrock Attitüde. Frisch, jung und Wild sind Vice Inc., die zwar nicht unbedingt die neuste Innovation des Genres darstellen, aber es dennoch um ein weiteres Album erweitern, dass alles andere als „Lahm“ oder ermüdend ist, sondern mit energiegeladenem Rock verseht. Doch auch für instrumentale Diversität stehen Vice Inc. So ist Don’t Say Good Bye ein Song, der mit poppiger Manier eröffnet und von treibenden Drums und soliden Bässen im Fundament begleitet wird, dabei jedoch von cleanen Gitarren und Piano- sowie Streicherensembles begleitet werden. Hierbei zeigen Vice Inc. dass ihre Musik durchaus mit einer Diversität und soundtechnischer Variation überzeugen kann. Im mittleren Tempo wird dann jedoch wieder das Alternative Rock Arrangement aus druckvollen Gitarren und Bass aufgezogen und ein Song aus den Boxen geschleudert, welcher ein wenig so wirkt, als behandele er das Thema der Trennungsangst. Auch hier versteht die Band es erneut Songs mit einem Ohrwurmcharakter zu erschaffen, der zudem mit einem liebevollen Klangkonzept überzeugt. Songs wie Catch Me If You Can, Far From Typical oder The Lessons To Regret sind ebenfalls gestandene Rocker, während epische und soundtechnisch ausgeklügelte Songs wie With You Again ins balladische übergehen.

Fazit 9 von 10: Vices Inc. erweitern die Diskografie der Alternative Rock Fans um eine weitere, wertvolle Scheibe! – Unbedingt anhören! - Shewolf Magazine

Vices Inc is een female fronted poppunk / alternatieve rockband die in 2019 werd opgericht in Portland, Maine, VS. Beïnvloed door de punkrock-, emo- en metal-scene uit de jaren 2000, neemt Vices Inc die invloeden op zich, met een moderne twist. Het album ‘An Everyday Hero’ is het debuut dat op de valreep van 2020 nog werd uitgebracht.

Sinds het uitbrengen van hun eerste single in december 2019 hebben ze nu nog twee extra singles uitgebracht, een E.P. en nu dus een volledig album, allemaal in 2020. ‘An Everyday Hero’ opent met ‘Like It’s The Last Time’, dat er in klapt als een female fronted Greenday; Een sterke opener van de punkrockers.

Het album is over het algemeen genomen gewoon een strak album. Een van de beste nummers van het album is ‘Catch Me If You Can’, waarbij hier en daar richting de oude Police gedacht mag worden, in positieve zin. Het is een catchy nummer met een beat die blijft hangen. Dit is toch wel een van de nummers die ervoor zorgen dat je het album vaker wil horen.

Titeltrack ‘An Everyday Hero’ zou je muzikaal gezien wellicht niet tussen de rest van de nummers verwachten. Het lijkt op iets dat voor ons wellicht ietwat herkenbaar overkomt. Nee, het is geen cover, ook geen plagiaat, maar klinkt in het intro vrij naar Anouk’s ‘Are You Kidding Me’, hoewel de stem wat meer doet denken aan Dolores O’Riordan van The Cranberries. Het is een nummer dat blijft hangen. Een nummer dat de plaat net iets verfrissender maakt.

Een klein minpuntje is voor mij ‘Your Pictures Burn The Brightest’. Waarom die grunts door het nummer heen? Het nummer zelf staat als een huis, maar die grunts breken het net weer af, jammer. Wellicht hadden ze het nummer beter achterwege kunnen laten, maar ach, ‘An Everyday Hero’ is gewoon een lekker album. De band doet met het album gewoon wat het moet doen.

Vices Inc levert op ‘An Everyday Hero’ kwaliteit. ‘An Everyday Hero’, ‘Catch Me If You Can’ en ‘Far From Typical’ hebben van ‘An Everyday Hero’ iets moois gemaakt. De punrockscene heeft er een geduchte nieuwe band bij om in de gaten te houden en levert een plaat om opnieuw op te zetten. Dat zeker. (8/10) (Southie Heights Records) - Maxazine