Viices, known to his mum as Jake McComb, has been making music for a number of years, releasing the Toxic EP in 2017.
Double Denim is released on a grey marble 7", which was lovingly packed well in a box. In these days of "here’s my download code", it’s an absolute joy to get an actual record in the post. There’s no expense spared here; the song Double Denim has been recorded and produced very well, polished to indie perfection. It comes in a full colour gloss printed sleeve, making it a treasure to add to my collection. The song is indie pop, slightly distorted but not fully fuzzed out, guitars play a descending melody for the intro and first verse, then there’s a pre-chorus, and chorus, then coda. Viices is no vocal slouch either, singing in tune with his voice slightly buried in the mix, with the words becoming more audible on second, third and fourth listens.
The 'B' side, Jess Song, simply defies the 'B' side tag, it could easily be an 'A' side. Viices' songwriting and composition skills are right up there. Jess Song is a bit more subdued than Double Denim, and I suppose that why he put it on the flip side. That said it is still a bloody catchy tune. I love that so many bands like Viices are taking a punt on releasing music on artefacts like 7" singles, CDs, long player records, and it seems cassette tapes are making a bit of a resurgence too.
But yes, this Viices 7" is well worth the investment, either digital download, or even better is the 7" taonga version
Viices brings together acoustic and electric noises, and elements from rock and Hip-Hop in his unique approach to live-looping.
Viices is an alt-rock duo based between Wellington and New Plymouth.