Renowned for their high energy live shows the band deliver their set with passion and humour and have been touring and releasing successful albums since the1980s.
Their latest album ‘Cardboard Country’ was released on their own Last Rockers label last year. The album is launched on the back of a very successful Pledge campaign raising funds for the Shelter homeless charity in line with the album title.
Vice Squad is fronted by raucous voiced singer/guitarist Beki Bondage who was featured on the front cover of a number of influential music tabloids such as Melody Maker, NME, Sounds, Record Mirror and Smash Hits. The band is 100% DIY and has no record company or management backing. Since reforming Vice Squad in 1997 the band has released several albums with powerful punk songs that are very well received by fans and press. In keeping with the DIY ethic the albums were recorded in the front room of Beki’s South London flat.
2016 – The band started the year with some UK gigs then ventured across the channel for shows in Den Haag and Antwerp, where they shared a stage with the Toy Dolls and Funeral Dress at the prestigious Trix music venue. More UK dates followed including an appearance at the Southampton Punk Festival and a sold out show at the legendary Hope&Anchor in London. Vice Squad donated a song called ‘Little Red Gloves’ to the S.O.P.H.I.E charity along with Cradle of Filth and Arch Enemy. The band played to a packed venue at Northwest Calling Festival in Manchester on 4th June and on 5th August they played the Tower Street Arena as part of the Rebellion Festival in Blackpool.
www.vicesquad.co.uk
Allergy
Vice Squad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'Cause my life is such a mess
Can't be bothered to get dressed
So sick of my ugliness
Constant cough and chronic wheeze
Twenty-first century disease
I just can't get no relief
Allergy
I got I got I got an allergy
I got an allergy to my life
Got no future, got no past
Try to cover up the cracks
Everything is such a drag
Ragged days all faded black
Doctor says i'm highly strung
Sells me drugs for choking lungs
Got to stay inside the slum
Praying for oblivion
The lyrics to Vice Squad's song "Allergy" delve into the pain that comes with living within a depressive state. The first few lines express the level of discomfort the songwriter is experiencing, as they would rather stay in bed than face the reality of their situation. The next few lines describe the harsh reality of a life that seems directionless and how the singer is beginning to lose the energy to bother with personal hygiene. The chorus says it all; the singer has developed a severe allergy to their life. They are not merely dissatisfied with their existence; they have developed a physical reaction to it. The last few lines of the song suggest that the songwriter has sought medical help, but the medication is only a temporary fix. They can only wish for an escape from their life, as they feel stuck in what feels like a slum.
This song conveys a message that resonates with many people who have experienced depression or know someone who has. The song speaks to a feeling of hopelessness when the daily grind begins to wear us down, and it becomes difficult to find the strength to confront life's challenges. Through the visceral description of the feelings that come with depression, the songwriter is trying to communicate that we are not alone in our struggles, and only by seeking professional help or talking to others can we find a way out.
Line by Line Meaning
Every day I wanna stay in bed
I feel like staying in bed every day.
'Cause my life is such a mess
My life is very chaotic and disorganized.
Can't be bothered to get dressed
I don't feel like getting changed or taking care of myself.
So sick of my ugliness
I'm tired of feeling and looking unattractive.
Constant cough and chronic wheeze
I have a persistent cough and difficulty breathing.
Twenty-first century disease
My ailments are a result of the current era.
I just can't get no relief
I'm unable to find any comfort or relief.
Allergy
I have an allergy.
I got I got I got an allergy
I really have an allergy. It's not just an excuse.
I got an allergy to my life
I'm allergic to my current state of existence.
Got no future, got no past
I don't have a hopeful future or a good past.
Try to cover up the cracks
I try to hide my flaws.
Everything is such a drag
Everything in my life is tiring and frustrating.
Ragged days all faded black
My days are often hard and bleak.
Doctor says i'm highly strung
The doctor tells me I'm very anxious and stressed.
Sells me drugs for choking lungs
The doctor prescribes me medicine for my breathing problems.
Got to stay inside the slum
I feel like I'm stuck in a rundown area.
Praying for oblivion
I'm hoping for an end to everything.
Contributed by Hannah G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.