Vices CD

Dead Poetic's third album release shifts gears into a heavy alt-rock sound, complete with thumping bass grooves and charging rhythms reminiscent of early Tool or Soundgarden. Featuring guest work from The Deftones' Chino Moreno, Vices includes "Narcotic," "Cannibal Vs. Cunning," "Sinless City," and more.

A DRAMATIC STEP

If pain and suffering forge the best work out of an artist, Dead Poetic’s almost breaking up last year was a godsend. This new album, Vices, finds them sounding as desperate as an American Idol semi-finalist in one song, as intense as an angry World Trade Organization protestor in another, but as calm and collected as a veteran band showcasing its wares on a Tonight Show stage in the next. While that sounds like a description of a diverse-sounding album, it’s actually cohesive, flowing and very listenable.

This rejuvenated band is in full swing from the first power chord struck in “Cannibal vs. Cunning,” which sounds very similar to the song “Witchhunt” from Stavesacre’s 2003 self-titled album. Other tunes, such as “Lioness,” sound very chunky, like Chevelle in one of its low-end grooves; and the sweet rock & roll desperation near the end of this album (as on “Copy of a Copy”) sounds uncannily like Sweden’s Blindside in vocal meter and tone. A slow ballad never sounded so punk rock.

Similarities aside, these 14 songs hold their own, with infectious hooks that dig their claws deep into any musical heart with open ears, which will incite plenty of sing-alongs in a live setting. And the musicianship here is quite impressive as well, with stop-in-an-instant tightness and nary a moment between tracks to catch one’s breath. All in all, there is much to like on this album.

Lyrically, vocalist/songwriter Brandon Rike takes the listener on a “Seven Deadly Sins” type voyage that honestly looks at the many vices faced in this world. With a blunt, but biblical lens, he traverses deception, greed, sex, self-destruction, drugs, defensiveness, escape and vanity—all culminating in the crushing weight of sin and the wonder of a Savior who sees through our sin and, nevertheless, values us.

Founders Rike and Zach Miles re-tooled their lineup by adding super drummer Jesse Sprinkle (Poor Old Lu, Demon Hunter) and former Beloved members Dusty Redmon and John Brehm (guitarist and bassist, respectively). The result is a dramatic step up from the solid screamo of New Medicines—doing so with a solid rock identity that defies sub-genres.

DOUG VAN PELT – CCMMagazine.com

Average Rating:

6 of 6 Reviews Showing:

Reviewed by Benoît (Montreal, Canada), June 26, 2008

Very good album by Dead Poetic. Many great songs like SELF-DESTRUCT & DIE, IN COMA (awesome song!), SINLESS CITY, THE VICTIM and PARALYTIC. I don't enjoy the slowest songs as much (the last ones on the CD).

Reviewed by Sarah (Morris, NJ), April 04, 2007

Dude this cd rocks. And yes DP has definitely grown up. Its awesome. I love love, Sinless City, Paralytic, Copy of a Copy, Vices, Pretty Pretty.. lets just say all. This is my favorite band besides Skillet and forever will be. It is a must buy!

Reviewed by tim essex (san antonio, tx), January 23, 2007

amazing cd. theyve grown soo much since new medicines. the lyrics are well.. brutally honest and deep. they touch everything from sex to worldliness to Jesus. i commend them for stepping away of the screamo fad and being real and honest.

Reviewed by Tony Huerta (Del Rio, Texas), December 04, 2006

This album is awesome. I love the song Narcotic, and the video is killer!! Overall a great buy.

Reviewed by Luke (Londonderry NH), November 27, 2006

I can't believe you other true DP fans haven't commented yet. Anyway, yes, this cd rocks! It isn't so much like New Medicines, but guaranteed to satisfy. THe message is basically the title, Vices. We all sin, but God always forgives and helps us onward. The best songs are Lioness, Self-destruct..., Longforgotten, Pretty Pretty, and The Victim. The guitars are heavier but not the same style. Brandon's voice has changed, but for the better to match their musical difference. Definitely more welcome to all compared to New Medicines. A must buy, it rocks, go get it, NOW!

Reviewed by briee (maryland), November 08, 2006

I love this new cd! If you liked New Medicines you'll love Vices. This cd gave a lot of hope to me in a lot of its songs (ie. Self-Destruct..and Pretty Pretty). This cd just shows how God helps you through everything no matter what your going through. The guitars and vocals are gorgeous in this cd. Enjoy!

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