innercitysights - capital vices

InnerCitySights

Capital Vices
self-released; 2014

3.5 out of 5

By Ethan Skelton

InnerCitySights is a positive vibes rock project born from the creative genius within Scottish singer/songwriter Allan Kerr. Kerr has been involved in music for many years and has been a part of nearly as many bands. It’s his musical message to deliver pop sensibility with rock intensity and inspire fun jams for a generation too hung up on stress and hardship. Capital Vices is positive, energetic, driving, and catchy. How can you go wrong with that recipe?

Right from the first track “New World” it’s clear we have some anthemic material on our hands. The guitars are wide and repetitive with a big chorus for the win. “Your smile tells me everything’s alright” is the feel-good lyric of the album. A great first step to get listeners in the mind set for what’s to come. 

The EP was written to be uplifting, but maintains an underlying darkness. Kerr himself cites The Killers, Angels & Airwaves, and Muse as influential artists that shaped the sound he was going for especially on the opener. Those bands create a lot of space with their instrumentation and progressions so he utilized that kind of songwriting to his benefit. I personally enjoy that style very much so this was a treat.

“Dancing In The Rain” echoes the alternative of the ‘90s like a Black Crowes meets Silverchair. Great guitar solo toward the end, very pure and whining without losing good tone and feel. “Knife Left My Hand” definitely issues Muse qualities - the gang vocals, tense chords/phrasing, and epic choral lyrics alongside a powerful melody. “Losing Touch” has a nice danceable feel to it thanks to the hi-hat work.

I can’t help but hear it with cleaner production and boosted with club remix. A little left field, but I know it would work - something to think about maybe? The synth lines are already bouncing in my head. Additions aside, it’s a solid closer and reiterates the all around message of good times though truth seeking and spirit searching.

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