New Vicious Dreams LP out August 9, 2024
::PRESS::
Orlando trio Vicious Dreams closes their excellent new album Turn Off My Brain with a cover of the Pointed Sticks staple Out of Luck. While this song has been covered extensively, Vicious Dreams breathes new life into it by adding a rough edge rather than further quickening its already high pace.
This approach of reanimating familiar elements works equally well for the original tracks that kick off the album. Vicious Dreams’ melodic punk rock is rooted in a late ’70s and ’80s sound rather than in the ’90s, and has been meticulously crafted for maximum impact. Even the record’s lyrical content is classic punk rock: feeling out of step with the world. Vicious Dreams spices up all these familiar elements enough to deliver a fresh listening experience.
If you need one more reason to check Turn Off My Brain, know that it is being released by an impressive coalition of trusted labels: Swamp Cabbage, Brassneck Records, GC Records, and Dirt Cult Records. Trust them, this record rocks.
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Vicious Dreams are a power-pop influenced punk trio from Orlando, FL. Heavily influenced by the likes of the Buzzcocks, Nasty Facts, and other fun 70s/80s rock n’ roll. They tune into the middle-ground between harmonic vocal melodies and hard-hitting, slightly melancholic, chord progressions and lyrics. Guitarist/vocalist Amanda Little shared, “‘Too Tough’ is about macho guys who think being rude and shitty make them cool. They try too hard, and their pseudo-toughness ends up making them look foolish. The antagonist of the song reminded us a lot of Johnny Bravo, which is why we picked that name for the character.”
-Chorus.fm
punk trio hailing from Florida, have unleashed their latest album, Turn Off My Brain, and it’s every bit as compelling as the title suggests.
As the name implies, the album delves deep into the themes of mental health, specifically focusing on the struggles of living with ADHD and anxiety in an already chaotic world. The title track, “Tomb,” encapsulates this perfectly, with lyrics like, “But I don’t want to think about it anymore, my stomach aches, my body’s sore. Why can’t I turn off my brain?” This song stands out as my personal favorite, as it tackles serious and relatable issues, but wraps them in a fun, catchy melody that keeps you hooked. Musically, the album is a whirlwind of energy, with songs that are fast, frenetic, and bursting with life. Despite the intense subject matter, the tracks have a lighthearted and playful vibe, making them both infectious and enjoyable to listen to. Vicious Dreams effortlessly blend pop and punk elements, creating a sound that is reminiscent of bands like Horrorpops, albeit with a stronger focus on punk rather than rockabilly.
Turn Off My Brain is a solid addition to Vicious Dreams’ discography, offering a perfect mix of catchy tunes and thought-provoking lyrics. Whether you’re looking to dance out your frustrations or simply enjoy some high-energy music with substance, this album is definitely worth a listen.
-JoyZine