San Francisco foursome Le Vice is an alternative indie band to watch out for. Blending hip hop, R&B, and electronica, be prepared to experience experimental music that will leave you begging for more. Their talent explodes with energetic lead singer Alex Lee commanding the way and contributing to a powerful progressive danceable debut.
Filled with dance floor beats, the band blends bluesy guitars with eccentric keyboard effects to create a distinguished debut that seamlessly flows from genre to genre. At times their funky sound turns into hip hop or even dance pop, which makes it easy to compare them to the Black Eyed Peas. Alex Lee’s skills cement her as a person to watch and at times are reminiscent of Fergie.
Le Vice embraces each genre as its own sound whether its indie, R& B, alternative, electronic, dance pop, or hip hop. The band seamlessly switches back and forth for funky great grooves and doesn’t miss a beat. Their confidence creates concise music that is exciting, energetic, and endearing for all music fans.
Pure pleasure plays throughout their eponymous debut that is literally a majestic music mash up that combines the best of the 1980s rap and R&B scene, the current electronic/house sound and everything else extravagant. Irresistible dance beats are just the tip of the iceberg.
Distinct drumming by Darrin Thomas, groovy guitar playing by Renzo Staiano, deep bass by Sean Stillinger and the infectious vocals by Alex Lee make Le Vice one of the year’s best new bands. Besides Fergie, Lee has a similar sexy sound to Lauryn Hill and her conceited lyrics in songs like “Uh Huh” give off an M.I.A. vibe.
The first track “Le Vice” is nothing mind blowing, but the album builds with “Say-A.” The synth sounding song compliments Lee’s luscious voice and invokes a fun futuristic vibe that makes you dance. Electro funk comes alive in “Hard To Be Ill” and Lee seems to emulate Eve. Now I am not a huge fan of R & B, but wow this band is just too good to ignore.
The ten track album is filled with sensational songs mixed for partying and good house beats. Arguably the best song on the album is “Uh Huh.” Lee’s bold bragging has her singing “Whatever you want right now/ You can get it from me” and “I’m a perfect 10 on the scale/You don’t need nobody else” makes moody, yet beautiful points about party girls.
Other notable songs include “Why Fight,” “Shy Guy,” “2 O’clock” and “She Wanna.” Each hip hop influenced song has its own outstanding moment that it’s truly hard to compare with other musicians. Santigold, N.E.R.D, Kid Cudi, Gnarls Barkley, LCD Soundsystem, Grizzly Bear, Erykah Badu and even The Roots remain recommended comparisons. They are part of a generation heavily influenced by all amazing music and have brought back new nasty music that is all their own. It’s obvious to see their influences and it’s fantastic to see them take it to a whole new level. The future for Le Vice looks great and I can’t wait to see what they do next.
--Mr Brownstone
Buy here: Le Vice
