The Vices - “At Least That’s What They’re Saying”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…The Killers, Kaiser Chiefs, Portugal. The Man

The Vices released their sophomore album Unknown Affairs last year, a tight collection of catchy, new-wave rock tracks that balance DIY grittiness with breezy, power-pop songwriting. Big choruses and cooled out, indie rock grooves power The Vices’ music in a way that sounds instantly familiar on first listen. There are hints of psych rock that expand before they quickly retract; it’d be interesting to hear the Dutch band explore this space in addition to their hook-heavy leanings. On the other side, there isn’t a bad track in the bunch. Take your pick for a single and you can’t go wrong as The Vices lay down this consistent, enticing template. (Kevin McStravick)

2023 Review: Part nostalgic new-wave rock and part blissed-out alt-pop, The Vices sound tight and familiar on latest single “Never Had To Know”, the lead preview from their upcoming full-length Unknown Affairs. The Dutch band has another LP Looking For Faces and a smattering of EPs and singles released prior and that experience shows on their most recent tracks featured on 2022 EP Strange Again. While The Vices like to hang in ragged, garage-pop territory, there’s a lot of tunefulness to their songwriting.