Viices - Single Review: Sandcastle
Today is the day Viices’s new song Sandcastle comes out! The band’s name has been around the live music circuits of Aotearoa for about eight years, under varying iterations of personnel, but the heart and soul of Viices remained. Currently a two-man show, having survived lockdowns and life-changes, the band have not let up at all, and today are fronting up with new tunes for the world. Right here, right now it’s Sandcastle o’clock.
Starting things with some flirtatious strums of guitar chords and soft, relaxed vocals, the song doesn’t rest in the soft zone for long. Taking one by surprise, the tempo doubles, guitar distortion is dialled up to 10, and Geordie Badart’s punchy drumbeat ratchets the works into a new level.
The palm-muted guitar strokes gives everything a decent bit of oomph, with Jake McComb’s attitude-heavy vocals gaining charge as he goes.
Possibly a song directed at the megalomaniacs and false prophets we see in the media, there are some very pointed digs at what one could assume are irresponsible leaders:
“I won’t look to you for answers, hollow luck or fantasy,
From the top of your sandcastle, if you look down will you see me?”
One could surmise the lyrics are from the viewpoint of someone who’s disillusioned, and doubtful that a societal leader is capable of representing them.
“Is this what you wanted to hear now? Empty words just as long they’re said loud”
Now, arguably the highlight of Sandcastle is the build-up and breakdown. Thanks to some smart production work, there’s a slightly hidden layer of scream-vocals which help drive the energy levels through the roof. Then Jake’s guitar skills take over: Some crunchy guitar riffs counterbalanced with shrill high notes, accentuating the rhythm to really ensure listeners are banging their heads at the song’s peak.
This is good, honest alt-rock with a punk edge, chopped up with 2000’s metal sensibilities. Kind of like early [Shihad] fused with pop-punk, if you will. It has bark as well as bite thanks to the guitar-focused rhythms and the attitude-laden shout-along choruses, which should no doubt get plenty of heads bouncing and feet stomping on their upcoming North Island tour.
Speaking of which, why not go see Viices live in a town near you, and also give Sandcastle a whirl or two on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp and YouTube!
About Viices
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Viices
Other Reviews By Steve Shyu
SLICEDUB - Album Review: Grotesque Coil
27 May 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Oskar Simmons Carlsson and James Smith, AKA SLICEDUB. The two-man experimental-electro/dub act hailing from Auckland and Hawkes Bay have brought forth their first major release, entitled Grotesque Coil, released on Auckland label Glass Half Full.
Read More...
These Four Walls - Single Review: Carousel
04 May 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Aotearoa-born and Queensland-based rockers These Four Walls’ mission is well and truly on the move. That mission is to further evolve from their previous LP This is Not a Future, from 2020.
Read More...
Darklight Corporation - Single Review: Monogod
16 Apr 2023 // by Steve Shyu
“Holy riff, Darklight Corporation are back??” were the first words I uttered aloud when this new single metaphorically landed in my lap.
Read More...
Coridian @ Tuning Fork, Auckland - 01/04/2023
05 Apr 2023 // by Steve Shyu
How could I miss this? Some of my personal favourite alt-rock acts in Tamaki Makaurau, at one of the best live venues in town.
Read More...
Dead Favours - Album Review: Riffing & Yelling Part 2
30 Mar 2023 // by Steve Shyu
One can only imagine what New Zealand’s alt-rock royalty Dead Favours have experienced over the past 18-plus months crafting their new EP, enduring release delays whilst juggling life and working, on top of navigating the weirdness of the past few years. (Come to think, I CAN imagine since my band has been through the same thing BUT this isn’t about me, haha) For those not in the know, this four-piece from Tamaki Makaurau Auckland consists of guitar player and frontman Jared Wrennall, drummer Charlie Smith, guitarist Kyle Wetton, and Alex Elvis on bass guitar.
Read More...
Bad Taste - Single Review: Weird Weekends
25 Mar 2023 // by Steve Shyu
Following their 2021 debut record Bad Taste, hip-hop duo Bad Taste have pressed on with making new music, particularly in creating a second album due out later this year, appropriately titled Bad Taste II. Because why would you name it anything else!
Read More...
The Transits - Single Review: When You Went Away
28 Feb 2023 // by Steve Shyu
In the digital age of today, it’s not uncommon for musicians and artists to collaborate and create music from kilometers, or countries away, and even beyond continents. Such is the case for The Transits, a pop rock indie trio consisting of members from Durban, South Africa and Tamaki Makaurau Auckland.
Read More...
Gig Review: Swerve City @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland - 11/02/2023
12 Feb 2023 // by Steve Shyu
As my first live gig review of 2023, it had to be a good line-up. Then I heard that Swerve City had announced a headlining show at Dead Witch, so I knew that had to be it.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- CUPID (TWIN VERSION)
Fifty Fifty - PEOPLE
Libianca - LAST NIGHT
Morgan Wallen - DAYLIGHT
David Kushner - FLOWERS
Miley Cyrus - KILL BILL
SZA - CALM DOWN
Rema And Selena Gomez - BOY'S A LIAR PT. 2
PinkPantheress And Ice Spice - DIE FOR YOU (REMIX)
The Weeknd And Ariana Grande - SAY YES TO HEAVEN
Lana Del Rey
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
