A Chapter in Dying - Vice > Reviews > vice - a musical revolution

Author's product rating:   

Originality
Lyrics
Quality and consistency of tracks
How does it compare to the artist's other releases
Value for Money

Advantages:	seriously easy to listen to
Disadvantages:	the album is only 4 tracks long

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Vice are a local band hailing from the rolling hills of Stretton and the surrounding areas of Shropshire, and were formed in 2002. There are four members, John Betts (vocals & bass), Dave Hanley (drums), James Downes (lead guitar) and, newly appointed in 2003, Chris Barnes (rhythm guitar & backing vocals). They have just finished recording their spectacular first album and demo recording, ‘A Chapter In Dying’. The album combines unforgettable guitar riffs and soulful harmonies into one big musical orgasm!

01 Happy Suicide
This is the first track on the album and one of the most famous of Vice's songs. It starts with a very memorable guitar riff, which picks up in pace as the song progresses, until it is broken by a scream from John. As the song gathers in pace, it stops, and a beautiful vocal solo from Barnes leaves you in awe (especially if you know him personally). Almost as soon as it appeared, it disappears back into the high tempo song, which it stays with until the end, where it is replaced by a heart monitor sample. Some harmonious guitar solos in here, and an all round quality track.

02 What Did You Say?
This track is cleverly mixed into the previous interlude of the sample. It is introduced by a heavy guitar tune, but is then softened out by a smooth piece of vocals. This is a song of vast contrasts. It goes from being at one point heavy, with screams, to the perfectly in tune vocal collaborations of the two singers. It dies down towards the end, but the tension builds up and releases itself in one almighty roar from John and the song finishes in a heavy manor! I have heard Vice play twice, and I vaguely remember this song, but next time I will be listening out especially for this one. Lovin’ it!

03 Blind Silence
A two-tone guitar intro is what awaits the listener on this track, which is followed by an almighty blast from Betts, which launches the song. The flowing guitars are halted by a piece of off beat drumming from Dave, and the song continues from where it was left off. I really like the little riff that 'The Downer' plays behind the vocals in this track. Its so smooth, and easy to listen to. An impressive marching drum roll by Dave slows the song down, before it immerges on the other side in a musical discharge that would send any audience crazy when played live!

04 A Chapter In Dying
This is the other of Vice's most popular songs. A riff that could have so easily been written by the likes of the Deftones, on one of their more chilled out songs, starts the song off. Its difficult to write about this one, it just carries an air of quality about it throughout the whole song, and never once wavers! Its not really heavy, but then is not soft core either. It mixes the screams and euphoric wails into a song that any rock lover will enjoy. To fully understand what I mean, you will have to listen to the track yourself. Also, watch out for the hidden yeti 'track' at the end of this one. ‘Interesting’ is the only way to describe it!

Check out Vice if you are into bands such as Hundred Reasons.

Judging from this, Vice sound like a professional band. If you were to hear one of these songs on the radio, you would never think that they were an unsigned band, let alone that this line up had only been around for a few months! As I have already said, I have seen Vice play in two live performances, and I can confidently say that they are as good live as they are on this CD. If you want to see them, watch out for them in the second round of the national battle of the bands in Wolverhampton. For more information, check out www.vicemusic.com.