Righteous Sydney melodic hardcore quintet VICES are stoked to announce they’ll release their anticipated third LP “Now That I Have Seen I Am Responsible” via Resist Records on March 17.
Sonically and thematically crushing first single ‘Broken’ premiered on triple j’s Short Fast Loud last night…
VICES is not your typical hardcore party band. There has always been a socially conscious, ethical dimension to their musical undertakings: resistance to injustice. In a swamp of successful heavy acts that are running more as brands than bands, VICES are proudly self-sufficient, taking care of business in a sustainable and diplomatic manner. No egos here.
This philosophy has seen them tour tirelessly throughout Europe, the US, Japan and New Zealand, gaining respect and adoration from fans both here and and across the seas. 2016 saw the band share stages with Hellions, Basement, Endless Heights, Break Even and destroy at Sydney’s always huge ‘Hardcore 2016’ event.
On ‘Now That I Have Seen I Am Responsible’, VICES have taken things up a notch, and the results are arresting. Developed over more than a year, the tracks adopt an equally personal and political tone. Written amongst a backdrop of global political and social upheaval and relationship breakdowns closer to home, the band have crafted a raw and righteous release that places them at the forefront of intelligent local hardcore, aimed at delivering comfort and solidarity through hardcore. Thematically, it addresses threats to human rights, religious divisions and mental health struggles.
Produced by Jay Maas (Defeater, Bane, Verse, Counterparts), this LP is the band’s first project working with a professional producer. Vocalist John McAleer says “Jay is a savage when it comes to making music. He keeps it real, he likes the imperfections but also knows when to push for something better, and he understood what we were trying to do and made the whole thing come to life.“ That they found the experience productive and rewarding is evident in the punchy power of these recordings.
‘Now That I Have Seen I Am Responsible’ is compulsory listening for fans of quality Antipodean hardcore.
