Band: Vicio
Album: Untitled EP
Genre: Metal/Rock

Tracks:
1. Welcome To Texas
2. Trainwrek
3. My Enemy
4. Fall From The Sky
We seem to be spending a lot of time here at UTG with bands from Texas. Whether it’s the pop/dance/rock trend of Forever The Sickest Kids or our metal brethren in Sons of Thunder, we can’t get enough of the Lonestar state. So, to continue with our unsigned series, we bring you one more Texas based act. Vicio recently released their untitled EP which perfectly showcases the bands ability to bring a fresh view to the rock world. Blending element of metal, hardcore,and alternative rock, Vicio more than proves they have something special to bring to the music world and you’d be a fool to miss out on what these guys have to offer.

Fittingly, the EP opens with, “Welcome to Texas,” which begins with radios static before crackling with a sample from old country radio that is soon interrupted with a clean electric guitar riff and the kind of drum beat that warns you something big is coming. What follows is a furious and pulsating mesh of drums, squealing guitars, and gutteral screams. It has the angst of a mid-80’s California punk band, but with the discipline of a modern hardcore act. You don’t know what to make of it initially, but you know it’s something special. Have no fear now you non-heavy music fans, Vicio breaks out their more melodic sound on this track as well. Vocalist Arturo Levario has the kind of melodic voice bands like Stone Sour, Disturbed, and Staind have been using for years to maintain popularity, but when Levario pairs that with his harsh screams, that’s where the fresh taste comes into play. It just fits together like the perfect pieces to a rock and roll puzzle and leaves you wanting more. “Trainwrek,” the misspelled second track, enters with a cliche, yet fitting drum line before busting into utter chaos. There are dueling vocals, riffing guitars, and a great back line of drums and bass that all fit together to make a solid, progressive track that keeps your interest in the band and the EP quite strong.

For the last two tracks, the band showcases more heavy sided sounds, but also mix in some additional melodic elements that were simply hinted at earlier on the EP. The third track, “My Enemy,” starts out a bit pitchy, but the fact the band is trying out their softer side at all is refreshing. I think I speak for most music fans when I say that simple screaming to blast beats is on the way out. You need more to carry your band these days and Vicio is trying it all out to see what works and I think his song is a sign that they’re on to something. Sure it’s probably the roughest on the EP, but it shows the most potential overall. Following this rocker, we have the closing track, “Fall From The Sky.” The song begins with a typical storm sample, but then goes into a very moving, yet progressive melodic feel. The guitars are still going strong and the drum and bass are playing like a much heavier song, but Levario is working a more laid back sound and even including some Spanish into the bands lyrics. It’s solid, but feel like it builds and builds to nothing. At 4 min. 35 sec., it’s the longest song, but it goes nowhere and leaves you less than inspired. Being one who holds a lot of weight on intro and outros on albums, this was a big disappointment, but the strength of the other tracks helped ease the pain.

Vicio has found one of the keys to musical success early on: variety. Their EP is, for the most part, is a heavy rock record, but the elements of melody and the splash of Spanish give it a fresh twist that sets them apart from other bands. The EP’s production is rough, and that obviously affects the overall sound of the record, but the ideas that Vicio wants to express still come through. Their passion is obvious and their determination seems great. Given some time, money, and a lot of practice, I think Vicio could be one release away from a record deal. Keep your eyes on these guys because they will be attacking your radio stations and storming stages in no time.

**Written By James Shotwell**
GRADE: 8/10

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James Shotwell

James Shotwell is the founder of Under The Gun Review. He loves writing about music and movies almost as much as he loves his two fat cats. He's also the co-founder of Antique Records and the Marketing Coordinator for Haulix. You should probably follow him on Twitter.

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