Vices Inc: “Bright Skies Overcast” & “Truculent” from the ‘Alkaline Kiss’ album

Since their formation in 2019, Portland, Maine’s Vices Inc has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying and innovative acts in alternative music. Defying genre boundaries and embracing artistic evolution, this female-fronted quartet has delivered a consistent stream of engaging, emotionally resonant music. Their latest release, ‘Alkaline Kiss’, is a 19-track tour de force that showcases the band’s growth, versatility, and dedication to their craft. Still combining subtle elements of punk, new wave and pop, the band has now evolved into the vibrant tapestry of alternative rock that seamlessly blends nostalgic influences with modern cutting-edge creativity.

At the heart of Vices Inc is the undeniable chemistry among its four members: Eleanor Langthorne (lead vocals, viola), Jagger Hicks (guitars, keyboards, backing vocals), Hanna Leigh Adams (bass), and Kristy Yeaton (drums). Each brings a unique element to the band’s sound, and together they form an ensemble greater than the sum of its parts. Langthorne’s commanding vocal presence, rich with theatrical flair, is matched by Hicks’s deft guitar work and retro-inspired synth textures. Adams’s basslines are groove-heavy yet melodic, anchoring the sound with finesse, while Yeaton’s intricate drumming provides both drive and nuance. This collective synergy is evident throughout ‘Alkaline Kiss’, as each track reveals a new layer of the band’s sonic and emotional depth.

Langthorne has often credited her bandmates as sources of inspiration, a sentiment that resonates across the album. This is not merely a collection of songs but a collaborative expression of artistry, where individual strengths combine to form a unified and powerful voice. Hicks’s ability to blend lush synth lines with explosive guitar riffs adds a dramatic flair to the band’s sound, while Adams and Yeaton craft rhythm sections that are both dynamic and compelling. The result is an album that balances technical precision with heartfelt emotion, a hallmark of Vices Inc’s evolving sound.

From its bold opening to its poignant conclusion, ‘Alkaline Kiss’ takes listeners on a journey through soundscapes that evoke a spectrum of emotions. The album begins with the dynamic burst of energy found in “Bright Skies Overcast,” blending jangling guitars, rumbling basslines, and soaring vocals. This immersive start establishes the tone for an album that explores themes of empowerment, resilience, identity, and self-discovery. The rebellious spirit of “Truculent” follows with its faster pace, angular guitar riffs, and propulsive rhythms, capturing the defiance of standing firm in one’s convictions.

“Unsure Within Insecurities” offers anthemic choruses and relentless guitar-driven grooves, delving into themes of self-doubt and personal growth. Its layered instrumentation creates a tension that mirrors the lyrical narrative, ultimately resolving in an uplifting chorus. “Cinnamon” stands out with rollercoaster rhythms and an infectious drive, pulling listeners into a whirlwind of kinetic energy. Meanwhile, “Right Through” strikes a delicate balance between moody undertones and radio-ready melodies, a track that exemplifies the band’s ability to craft songs that are both introspective and widely appealing.

The emotional high point of “Like Cyanide” combines intensity with vulnerability, delivering a haunting yet cathartic sonic experience. Langthorne’s voice soars with raw emotion, backed by Hicks’s cascading guitar lines and Adams’s driving bass. This is followed by the high-energy “Only a Fool,” featuring bone-crushing riffs and pounding rhythms that showcase the band’s rock sensibilities. The thumping basslines and driving beats of “Selective Memory” capture the bittersweet struggle of unraveling fleeting moments, while “Imposter Syndrome” layers lush guitars and rich vocal harmonies to explore themes of self-perception and authenticity.

Tracks like “I Really Wanna (This Time)” and “Faux Personality” maintain the album’s tension and infectious energy, their vibrant arrangements propelling the listener forward. In contrast, “Feeling So Alive” offers a rhythmic respite with soulful vocals set against groove-laden instrumentation, a track that radiates warmth and optimism. “It’s Not Like That” returns to throbbing basslines and jangling guitars, melding them perfectly with emotionally charged lead vocals.

“Too Far Down” provides a deeply introspective moment, pairing shimmering guitars with Langthorne’s evocative vocals. Its narrative of vulnerability and resilience resonates deeply, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys. The cinematic detour of “Madrugada” stands out as a bold experiment, blending eerie keys with haunting vocal textures. This track’s atmospheric quality creates a dreamlike interlude that transitions seamlessly into the overdriven intensity of “Vilify.”

“Forgotten Dust” is built on euphoric rhythms and soaring melodies, capturing a sound of triumph and liberation. This leads into “I Will Be Your Safe Bet,” a showcase of the band’s versatility through sweeping, tempo-shifting dynamics. As the album approaches its conclusion, it offers a deeply personal touch with “My Little Dreamer.” Accompanied by strummed acoustic guitar, Langthorne’s heartfelt vocals leave a lasting impression, closing the album on an intimate and poignant note.

The sequencing of ‘Alkaline Kiss’ is a masterclass in storytelling through music. By weaving together high-octane rock anthems, introspective slow-burners, and experimental compositions, Vices Inc creates a narrative arc that mirrors the complexities of the human experience. Uplifting rhythms, moody reflections, and cathartic crescendos are carefully balanced, ensuring that each track contributes meaningfully to the album’s overall impact. This careful curation allows the album to function as both a collection of standout singles and a cohesive artistic statement.

Langthorne’s background in theater is evident throughout the album, as her vocal performances are imbued with dramatic flair and emotional depth. Her lyrics, rich with vivid imagery and thoughtful prose, transform deeply personal experiences into universal anthems. Whether she’s delivering sultry croons or fiery proclamations, Langthorne’s voice is the emotional core of ‘Alkaline Kiss’. Her ability to inhabit a range of personas within her songs lends an operatic quality to the album, further elevating its thematic complexity.

While ‘Alkaline Kiss’ nods to the pop-punk and new wave sounds that inspired Vices Inc, it seriously embraces the hard-hitting aesthetics of contemporary alternative rock. Jagger Hicks’ retro-inspired synths and sharp guitar riffs blend seamlessly with Kristy Yeaton’s intricate drumming and Hanna Leigh Adams’s groove-laden basslines. This fusion of eras ensures the band’s appeal will span generations, attracting both longtime genre enthusiasts and newcomers to guitar-driven alt-rock. The band’s willingness to experiment with genre and style speaks to their commitment to artistic growth, a hallmark of their evolving sound.

Since their debut, Vices Inc has released nine albums, two EPs, and numerous singles under the Southie Heights Records label. Their electrifying live performances, including hosting the Vices Music Festival, have cemented their status as a cornerstone of New England’s music scene. With ‘Alkaline Kiss’, they’ve not only expanded their artistic horizons but also reinforced their commitment to pushing creative boundaries. Langthorne’s theatrical background, Hicks’s instrumental ingenuity, Adams’s melodic sensibility, and Yeaton’s rhythmic precision converge to create a body of work that feels both timeless and relevant.

In February 2025, the band will embark on a Northwest U.S. tour, bringing the energy and emotion of ‘Alkaline Kiss’ to live audiences. A vinyl edition of the album will also be available, offering fans a tangible piece of this groundbreaking work. This tour promises to be a celebration of the band’s journey, a chance for fans to connect with the music on a deeper level.

‘Alkaline Kiss’ is a celebration of sound, identity, and artistic passion. Stream it on all major platforms, pre-order the vinyl release, and experience the transformative power of Vices Inc. This is music that demands to be heard, felt, and celebrated—a testament to the boundless possibilities of independent alternative music. By embracing their influences while forging a path uniquely their own, Vices Inc has delivered a work that stands as a defining moment in their career and a beacon for the indie movement.