The Vices - “Never Had To Know”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…The Killers, Kaiser Chiefs, The Kooks

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. Hooky but far from saccharine, The Vices’ music goes down easy while still being weird enough for a trip-out or two. That balance of psych rock and upbeat new-wave is really well handled and The Vices seem to be hitting a growing stride leading into Unknown Affairs’ release. (Kevin McStravick)