Switchfoot: Vice Verses Review

Switchfoot's 8th album "Vice verses" brings the same energy, passion and lyrical intrigue as former albums.
Vice Verses treats us to social commentary, a reflection on the human condition, views on the past, the future and the present. If you are an avid Switchfoot fan you might say "what's new?" you will of course be aware that previous albums deal with such lyrical content. One of the key differences is the freedom and flow of the songs musically. Switchfoot no longer need to bow to the record company board room nor need to check into a hit factory machine. We are treated to a range of sounds that convey a range of lyrics but are held together with a cohesive truth.

Afterlife
This songs starts with a classic Switchfoot guitar sound and will not disappoint people who love to see the band live. It sounds similar to some of the "Hello Hurricane" tracks in sound.
"I've tasted fire i'm ready to come alive". "I'm ready now, I'm ready now, I'm not waiting for the afterlife". This is a call to live our lives and enjoy the now as well as future that is to come.

The original
This song takes us back to more of an orignal "Switchfoot" sound, you can imagine surfers driving along to the beach with this blaring in their cars, It is sunny, quirky, bright and tasty.

The war inside
This song reminds me of an 80's track from somewhere. (in a good way) Jon talks/sings the first verse in an almost rap.

Restless
This is one of the best tracks that combines the best of the bands talents. Strong melody, strong emotions, and strong reflection of our human state. "I am restless, I am restless, looking for you." This song reflects our brokeness, as we are looking to find rest in a fallen world.

Blinding light
Nice light guitar touches on a radio friendly track with a louder drum and bass section. This song reflects some of the earlier albums that featured a greater use of drum and bass with vocals that follow the guitar rhythms.

Selling News
We are introduced to almost spoken word from Jon. Hats off to the band for trying some new sounds and attempts to stretch their creative production. "suspicion is the new religion".
"fact is fiction"


Thrive
A vocal melody that follows the guitar melody, with more loops and sounds that layer their way up through the song. It is a nice warm sound less digital sounding.

Dark Horses
A song that has been previously heard on the bands website. This is full fat rock. There are no fat free guitar licks on this track. This is moving, motoring and enthralling.
"I've made my mistakes, I've seen my heart cave in" "it's not over now, we've been down but we are neverout"


Souvenirs
A medium pace song with atmosphere. The song builds into layered guitars with some nice production. This has a cinematic qualities and could match the plot of a film about the past.

Rise above it
High end guitars with a slight nod to friendly fires along eith more rap esque intro. This song is encouraging us to not take the bait to give into what often draws us in and drags us in the wrong way.

Vice Verses
A beautiful song that has the lightest of touches, ambience, and intrigue. The band have shown great restraint in not changing this song midway. "everything seems rusted over, tell me that you are there". Feel the pain, honesty and truth in this song. A song the band can be very proud of.

Where I belong
This song gives a nod to Arcade fire whilst remaining very much Switchfoot. The song deals with the tension of what you might call the present Kingdom and the Future kingdom. It displays Jon's knowledge of C.S.Lewis writings and has a strong eschatological flavour.
"Still looking for a home in a world where I belong",it has a gospel even Hymnal Quality.

It could be easy for a band like Switchfoot to lose momentum, to lessen in creativity and the passion to play. Their 8th album brings together the tensions of life that are seen through 20/20 vision no sign of any rose tints glasses here.
Well worth buying.