Single Review: Sandcastle

Today is the day Viices’s new song Sandcastle comes out! The band’s name has been around the live music circuits of Aotearoa for about eight years, under varying iterations of personnel, but the heart and soul of Viices remained. Currently a two-man show, having survived lockdowns and life-changes, the band have not let up at all, and today are fronting up with new tunes for the world.

Right here, right now it’s Sandcastle o’clock.

Starting things with some flirtatious strums of guitar chords and soft, relaxed vocals, the song doesn’t rest in the soft zone for long. Taking one by surprise, the tempo doubles, guitar distortion is dialled up to 10, and Geordie Badart’s punchy drumbeat ratchets the works into a new level.

The palm-muted guitar strokes gives everything a decent bit of oomph, with Jake McComb’s attitude-heavy vocals gaining charge as he goes.

Possibly a song directed at the megalomaniacs and false prophets we see in the media, there are some very pointed digs at what one could assume are irresponsible leaders:

“I won’t look to you for answers, hollow luck or fantasy,

From the top of your sandcastle, if you look down will you see me?”

One could surmise the lyrics are from the viewpoint of someone who’s disillusioned, and doubtful that a societal leader is capable of representing them.

“Is this what you wanted to hear now? Empty words just as long they’re said loud”

Now, arguably the highlight of Sandcastle is the build-up and breakdown. Thanks to some smart production work, there’s a slightly hidden layer of scream-vocals which help drive the energy levels through the roof. Then Jake’s guitar skills take over: Some crunchy guitar riffs counterbalanced with shrill high notes, accentuating the rhythm to really ensure listeners are banging their heads at the song’s peak.

This is good, honest alt-rock with a punk edge, chopped up with 2000’s metal sensibilities. Kind of like early [Shihad] fused with pop-punk, if you will. It has bark as well as bite thanks to the guitar-focused rhythms and the attitude-laden shout-along choruses, which should no doubt get plenty of heads bouncing and feet stomping on their upcoming North Island tour.

Speaking of which, why not go see Viices live in a town near you, and also give Sandcastle a whirl or two on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp and YouTube!