The latest single from Fredericton’s Wicked Vices has had some time to age. They’ve been performing “Liquor” for the last five years, making it one of their oldest songs. While they managed to record it years ago, they just felt this seasonal tune needed a little extra time to mature.
Drummer Ryan Barrie tells us that the single is, at its heart, a summer jam. Recorded by Dylan Ward at Shiftwork Studios in Fredericton, this alternative rock single is full of sand. With ocean surf that had been recorded at lead guitarist Chris Hawkins’ family cottage in Prince Edward Island, we’re getting a mix of acoustic guitar and bongos alongside vocals from frontwoman Kristen Vautour. This is a product of and for the beach.
“‘Liquor’ represents the feeling of summer, being near the ocean and feeling very, very in love,” says bassist and songwriter Geoff MacDonald. “A moment sitting under a tree in Prince Edward Island, playing the ukulele, far removed from any responsibility or life problems.”
“Happy songs are not as easy to write,” says Macdonald, “but when you find the right hook, it can be a powerful addition to any repertoire, and for Wicked Vices, a song like ‘liquor’ has never gotten stale. We have been playing ‘liquor’ live for nearly 5 years and we had a blast recording this for our upcoming LP.”
The song is set to appear on their upcoming LP, appropriately titled In Moderation. However, with vocalist Kristen Vautour having just given birth to a healthy baby boy, Wicked Vices have taken a relaxed approach to setting their schedule. The album, along with its corresponding release show, has no official date lined up. The band assures us, however, that there will be more single between now and 2022.
“We will get back on stage when we’re ready and the timing is right. In the meantime, we have a lot of new material coming out so keep your ears peeled.”