“The music is refined and potent. These songs will stick in your head. They will make you move. They aren't cock rock, they aren't stadium rock, they are super-garage rock, vibrant and fiery. ” (Nate Ragolia, 2012).Vices I Admire is an alternative rock band from Denver, CO. Formed in 2002 in Fort Collins, CO originally under the name Plan B. The current lineup is Dave Curtis (vocals, guitar; 2002-present), Dan Battenhouse (bass, vocals; 2009-present) and Alex Simpson (drums, vocals; 2012-present); for performances, a second-guitarist spot is filled by various musicians, the most recent being Scott Uhl (of Glass Delirium).
Original members included: Curtis, Robert Marston (bass, 2002-2007), Mickey Dollar (guitar, 2002-2012) and Mark Towne (drums, 2002-2012). Marston was replaced by Dan Battenhouse (formerly of the Fray) in 2009. Dollar and Towne left the band in 2012 and were replaced by Alex Simpson (drums) and Tavis Alley (guitar) later that same year. Alley left Vices I Admire in 2013 and the band continued on as a 3-piece.
Vices' music is an amalgam of various influences and – though, decidedly rock – nods to hip hop, folk and funk. They have been compared to Panic! At The Disco, Foo Fighters, Foxy Shazam, Candlebox, Incubus, My Chemical Romance, The Matches, Queens of the Stone Age, AFI and even Prince. Their songs are generally guitar-driven, but also feature unusually melodic bass lines and colorful drum work. However, the defining sound of Vices throughout its various lineups are the personal – often cryptic – lyrics and vocal gymnastics of front man, Curtis.
Vices released their first album, Plan B. in 2005 – they changed their name to Vices I Admire in conjunction with the release and titled the album in honor of their original name. The album draws heavily from the nu-metal scene and bands like Deftones and System of a Down. “Monster”, the first single from Plan B., is traditionally used to close Vices' sets – as such, it is one of their most well-known songs, second only to “Sweetest Girl” (from their sophomore effort, The Politics of Apathy). The second single from Plan B., “By the Way”, won $5,000 in a contest run by OurStage.com (2007), is featured on the punk-rock compilation, Dagger Sight Records Volume II, and is the backing track to NFMan Productions' short film, Wedding Day.
Their sophomore effort, The Politics of Apathy was released in 2010. The album was well-received by local press and fans alike. Though it did present a departure from their original sound; where Plan B. was raw, fast and angry, ...Politics... was oftentimes reserved and thoughtful and more refined. Songs like “Kiss Kiss” and “Keep Killin' Me” maintained the band's tendency toward the heavier end of the rock spectrum; while the dramatic, piano-and-vocals piece, “Denouement: An Intermezzo” and the heart-achingly honest indie-rocker, “It Is” showcased a more adult and mindful writing style.
"The new album, The Politics of Apathy, from Vices I Admire, is a nine-song combination of two of my very favorite things: an array of different styles when the band can do it right, and raw, in-your-face lyrics."
- Steffanie Giesler, Colorado Music Buzz (Jan 01, 2010)
"...a great mix of precise musicianship, very emotional and polished vocals, well written lyrics, and sonic colors from many places in the musical rainbow."
- James (JJ Rocks) Johnston, St Croix Music (Jan 01, 2010)
The first single from ...Politics..., “Sweetest Girl” is the band's most lauded track. In April, 2010, it won a competition from WeAreListening.org which granted the band 3 months of distribution through Tinderbox Music. The track went on to be placed in MTV's “The Real World: Las Vegas” and on the Oxygen Network's “Bad Girls Club”. It also earned top spins on many college radio charts that year and has been featured on several compilation albums.
Vices' third album, Venom & Pride marked yet another change in Vices' musical style. Preceding the departure of two of the groups' founding members, Mark Towne and Mickey Dollar, it is a darker and more stylistically intricate work.
"Vices I Admire is but a humble group of four Denverites, who are slowly pushing their way through Shit Creek with a paddle made of pure Rock. Their new EP, Venom and Pride, is a 15-minute dash over white-water rapids and razor sharp rocks. It’s fast, it’s crazy, it’s fun." - Harley Patton, Indie Music Reviewer (Mar 02, 2012)
Vices fourth album, Fables (May, 2013) was the first album recorded and produced entirely by the band.
Cavity
Vices I Admire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics of Cavity by Vices I Admire talk about the struggle of self-worth and how society often defines beauty standards that may not be applicable to everyone. The author describes themselves as ugly and shameful, using words like "filthy" and "nipple'd truth" to portray a sense of disgust towards their physical appearance. They also mention feeling weighed down by their own existence, as if their blood is unable to "change the Earth" and their faith is "idle" and unfulfilling.
The author then turns their attention to the idea of love, expressing how wanting it can often lead to loneliness and self-doubt. They face an "eye that [they've] turned inward," possibly referring to their self-critical attitude or the way they perceive themselves based on societal standards. The repetition of the line "it pulls me down, pulls me down" emphasizes the weight of these emotions and how difficult they are to overcome.
Overall, the lyrics of Cavity touch on themes of self-esteem, societal pressure, and the search for love and acceptance. The author's raw and vulnerable emotions are conveyed through the use of vivid language and poetic devices.
Line by Line Meaning
In eyes I'm so ugly, a filthy name for a nipple'd truth
I feel extremely unattractive and my appearance is a reminder of my flaws, which I am ashamed of and try to hide.
Give my guts a cross to rest where my blood couldn't change the earth
I desire to sacrifice myself in a way that can make a positive impact on the world, but I may not be capable of making such a big change.
It pulls me down, it pulls me down, give a kiss fill this hole, I'm god I guess
I feel weighed down by my negative emotions and insecurities, but seek validation and acceptance from others.
Over me, here to hang my idle faith crucifix on (or) dirt
I struggle with finding purpose and meaning in life, and often feel like I am just going through the motions.
Want for love leaves me lonely, to face an eye that I've turned inward
Despite my desire for love and connection, I often feel isolated and distant from others because of my tendency to focus on my own problems.
It pulls me down, pulls me down give a kiss fill this hole, I'm god
My emotional struggles and need for validation continue to weigh me down, but I seek relief and comfort from those around me.
Contributed by Makayla M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
JayblesFlores1775
This song always helps Soothe My Soul.