Search - Vices I Admire :: The Politics of Apathy

Many of us have been shying away from anything labeled emo/screamo ever since My Chemical Romance came onto the scene dripping with eye makeup and songs about shattered romance. Vices I Admire, however, is an entirely different story, and one with a happy ending. The Politics of Apathy is an album that shows that this band is not afraid to plow head-on into a genre that makes a lot of people cringe. They break all the rules and push the limits and get away with it. The entire album drips with energy as lead singer Dave Curtis alternates between screams and sultry whispers seemingly inspired by Prince. Monster is one of the best vocal tracks, moving at a fast, ska-punk clip and boasting a catchy hook reminiscent of songs by The Matches. Sweetest Girl is another standout track on the album, slowly building into a dance-pop party complete with funky beats and a chorus that wines and dines you to sing along. Denouement, An Intermezzo reminds me a bit of Muse, with a raindrop piano intro and Curtis once again showing off his impressive vocal range. This song keeps it simple with only vocals and piano, but it offers an eclectic transition into the next song, a pop-punk anthem entitled Kiss, Kiss. Overall, The Politics of Apathy is a defining moment in the forward motion of Vices I Admire, highlighting their strengths and bending the strings of a genre they simultaneously push to satisfy and strive to break out of. --Molly McCowan, Scene Magazine