Yes, a much belated review! And one of three in a series, haha. Have fun…and remember that these are just based on my own thoughts. By the CD if you want to know what I am talking about.
This CD came out around a year ago, October 31st. Even though I had interest in purchasing it, I did not, due to money lacking of thingy thing blah die. Things haven’t really changed now, in terms of funding, but my copy is legit via iTunes.
As Brandon, the front man of Dead Poetic, said about the CD, there is a noticeable change in style. Remember all the screaming and low-voiced growls from New Medicines? Most of that is pretty much gone in Vices. This time around, Brandon focuses on melodics, harmonics and most importantly, singing.
In the studio, Brandon definitely has one of the clearest voices out there, and has a very broad vocal range. To add to his vocals, he has a new band member (ie. drummer from Demon Hunter) to compliment him. Similar to their second studio release, New Medicines, the instrumentals are solid and really add an atmosphere and mood to the CD. DP opens off with an explosive entry to Cannibal vs Cunning and sends the listener through a roller-coaster ride with Brandon’s blade-like voice.
Personally, I noticed a much stronger message in DP’s lyrics in Vices, possibly due to Brandon’s real singing. During the first listen, you can expect to be pulled in to listen, hear and understand what message is being conveyed. Once again, because Brandon is singing, your ear and mind tends to pay more attention. For the first example, In Coma has strong lyrics such as:
Stay in a coma,
its the only defense we have left…
Now, if you know thing about the human body, the body usually goes into a coma in order to prevent extensive damages to certain parts. I think in the song, Brandon refers to us as injured, and needing healing and help. (Weak explanation, I know…but I’m writing this in a lecture!)
The title track is most definitely the best track on the CD. In Vices we start with the scene of Jesus being crucified on the cross, as well as the crowd surrounding the crucifixion. The chorus is always a variation of Brandon singing about our vices and how it will disappoint everyone:
Oh, but Mother. I’ve got Vices like any other man.
Vices that you’re not used to. Vices that’ll make you think less of me.Oh, but Lover. I’ve got Vices like any other man.
Vices that you’re not used to. Vices that’ll make you think less of me. Less of me.
I feel that the CD ends off on a very suiting matter for reflection and shows the serious side of Brandon and the rest of DP, as you can see from these last few lines of Vices.
I’ll exist as if I don’t feel conviction of my ignorance to my perfect prison.
But I feel the stabs on my wrists and ankles every time I try…To forget you. To forget you.
Oh, but Jesus. I’ve got Vices like any other man.
Vices that you’re so used to. Vices that won’t make you think less of me
Oh but Jesus…I’ve got Vices like any other man. Vices that you’re so used to…Vices that won’t make you think less of me.
—————–
Vocals: 9/10; Brandon still does that annoying grunting-screaming-wailing sound sometimes…
Instrumentals: 9/10; Solid performance by everyone, and noticeably quieter than New Medicines.
Lyrics: 9/10; Showing two songs from the album does not do the CD too much justice, but it is an incredibly good start! Every song on Vices is solid and has a story, such as the title track and Lioness, which reminds me of a Psalm. The only song that confuses me and still needs more immersion is Animals.
Design: N/A; I didn’t buy a retail version of the CD – I bought it off of iTunes, so all I have is the cover. However, I would expect the booklet design and CD label to be consistent with a more mature and…solemn theme. You can visit their site at deadpoetic.com for design views, MP3 streams and more.
So there you have it…another review for another CD. Vices is a moderately fresh/refreshing sound for DP in this modern age of experimentation with new sounds/styles (ie. Jars of Clay, Switchfoot). We get to hear a more matured voice of Brandon, in comparison to New Medicines, and [perhaps] deeper lyrics. Brandon’s smooth voice and broad range, combined with his eloquent lyrics and somewhat lighter instrumentals (not to say they are weak; they are anything but) will definitely keep you listen over and over again. This is definitely one of the bands that has done a “successful” switchover, in terms of their sound.
Overall: 9.5/10