Sic Waiting – Vices

Sic Waiting thoroughly impressed me with their sophomore full length, Anchors Astray.  Their straightforward but tactful take on melodic skate punk made for a blast from the past with a commendable technical edge.  In a move that will undoubtedly be received as a teaser by fans, Sic Waiting has taken the interim approach of appeasing fans with Vices, their latest a five-track EP.  The disc marks a considerable bump in musicianship from the Southern California quartet’s already firm footing by delivering sixteen minutes of sharp tongued, pulse pumping melodic punk rock.

Opener “My Reputation Precedes Me” indiscriminately welcomes fans from all walks of life from the start.  “We’re all liars, but we have so much fun so come with us” chimes the band over a hail of “woahs” – a whirlwind of swift riffs and a torrid mid-song solo close the track in a welcoming but matter-of-fact way.  “It’s Not Rocket Science” follows quickly with a patient tempo, affording listeners an opportunity to catch their footing as riffs chug lightly in the buildup to a riff raging solo underpinned by a blanket of steady vocal harmonies.  Speaking of which, Sic Waiting lavishly polishes their harmonies without drowning them in layers of production. 

This time around, the band sounds more at ease and willing to embrace a full range of tempos within a single track.  Take how “Lines In The Road” affords a technical edge without dipping too far into the Wilhelm Scream / Human Project neck of the woods.  The band puts on an impressive instrumental display only to pull it all back for a sincere vocal showcase intensified under the spotlight of momentary acoustic chords.  The songs are as emotional as they are sincere, with Sic Waiting demonstrating much of the gusto that popularized skate punk in the mid-90’s.  Fans of Leche Con Carne-era No Use For A Name will feel just as at home as those that cling to Rise Against’s modern output. 

Closer “Long Island Sound” plays the album out with anthemic resolve.  The hook laden chorus built upon the line “you are the furthest thing from the here and now” resonates intently with a slightly above mid-tempo pulse that sums up Vices’ full gamut of sound.  As the minute-long outro fades into the distance, Sic Waiting achieves what any good EP should: a tantalizing tease that leaves listeners wanting more.  Vices isn’t only exactly what you’d expect from a confident dose of 90’s inspired melodic skate-punk, it’s exactly what you’d want.