Vices I Admire

Introducing the Lyric By: Angela Kerr

akerr@coloradomusicbuzz.com

Highlighting Vices I Admire – …go the spoils



Growing up in a musical family, the ebb and flow of sound, vibration and its communication and messaging was and has always been a significant part of my life. My mother taught me the essence of being the music. My father played tenor sax, my oldest brother also played tenor, my middle brother played alto sax who also is a mean guitarist and songwriter and my youngest brother the drums and the flute. I experimented with clarinet, drums and guitar over my lifetime, but what stuck was voice, lyric and composition….hence my fixation with “the lyric.”



In the morning as we awoke, music was a part of our routine. To this day, if it is possible, I start out with music – usually in my car as I face the day. Yes, I am one of those commuters rocking out, singing at the top of lung capacity that everyone stares at as they pass by. Music is a pulse of life, like blood running through veins – and I for one have no difficulty with that realization!



Prior to the advent of technology which created advancement in our field, people actually wrote lyrics and published them within an album. A person could get lost for hours with the insert, each songs messaging, and an inside look at who the band was. Now we watch a video and marketing is pointed. What we had then – yes old school – was the sound, the words, a few pictures and our imagination. I’m not saying both options don’t have their place – I am suggesting that something has gotten lost. What are you the musicians and song writers trying to tell us? What is this generation of communicators focused on and why? What was happening in their lives that made it so important for them to take the time to get out pen and paper, write down a thought and then write music to accompany it? When you think about the amazing process that must transpire….what evokes the emotion and willingness to make a song happen and then record and publish it? It is no simple task and not everyone does it. So what motivates an artist to create? That’s what I want to attempt to find out. I hope you will join me on this monthly journey – right here – in the Colorado music scene.



So this is how I see it. I am going to be out there. I would like to hear from you. If you have a song that has messaging that you want people to understand – we need to talk. That means – I want the lyric sheet. It means I need to sit down and hear the song – preferably in the venue that you plan on performing it in…there is nothing like a live performance to experience the creation. I need advance warning so I can get performance dates on my schedule. It means I need some time to talk to you and your band about why this song? Why this lyric? What led up to it? How did your band create the end result? How did you originally get together? What does your company look like? How many times do you get together each week to perfect your craft? What are your goals? What action steps are you taking to get there? What venues are you choosing to perform in and why? Music is art and music is a business. Let’s explore all we can….together…and share that experience with our community. There are thousands of bands in Colorado so of course I can make no guarantee that your band will be covered – but as with anything motivation and action counts!! Here’s how it works: An email will be sent to me once you have completed the Lyric Submission Sheet which can be found online at ColoradoMusicBuzz.com. That will start the process. I will respond back and we will see where it takes us!



This month we start with Vices I Admire. The leader of the band, Dave Curtis, submitted lyrics for …go the spoils. Vices, has transitioned in membership over the past several years and through that process has grown. Dave Curtis on guitar who also owns and operates his own graphics design business (Dave Does Design) has a serious yet extremely fun outlook on the music business. He is focused on process, discipline, determination and drive. Dave gets mad respect from all members of Vices for his song writing capabilities. His fellow band members include Dan Battenhouse on bass and back up vocals, an original member of The Fray, who holds the premiere role for sound engineering for the band. Next up, Alex Simpson on Drums also represents Rupp’s Drums, a top notch company supporting drummers in Colorado. Scott Uhl on guitar instructs at the Colorado Music Institute. This well balanced group of guys are powering through their next release- a quick follow up of their album Fables released in May of 2013. They pride themselves in keeping fans participating through personal interaction and feel the quality of their music is also a draw. I have seen Vices perform on more than one occasion, most recently at Metropolitan State’s Center for Innovation at CREATE MSU’s OWN IT - Colorado Music Buzz

Well, it's a wrap. The nineteenth annual Westword Music Showcase Awards are now officially in the books. The Bluebird was packed, and, man, what a good time. Drinks, food, friends -- what else do you need? Next to the Showcase itself, this is one of the best nights for local music all year. Plenty of smiles and hugs to go around. Keep reading for the complete list of this year's winners.


01. Pop-Traditional: You Me & Apollo
02. Pop-Alternative: Vices I Admire
03. Pop-Indie: Esme Patterson
04. Rock-Traditional: Fox Street Allstars
05. Rock-Alternative: In the Whale
06. Rock-Indie: Snake Rattle Rattle Snake
07. Rock-Garage: The Dirty Few
08. Rock-Heavy: Lola Black
09. Rock-Progressive: I Sank Molly Brown
10. Rock-Roots: Strange Americans
11. Rock-Jam/Improv: Whiskey Tango
12. Hip-Hop-MC (male): Input
13. Hip-Hop-MC (female): Lady Speech
14. Hip-Hop-Group: Wheelchair Sports Camp
15. Hip-Hop-Band: MTHDS
16. Hip-Hop-Producer: Yonnas Abraham
17. Punk: Reno Divorce
18. Post-Punk: The Photo Atlas
19. Hardcore: Git Some
20. Metal: Speedwolf
21. Metal-Extreme: Cephalic Carnage
22. Americana: Elephant Revival
23. Avant-Pop: James and the Devil
24. Folk: Paper Bird
25. Bluegrass: Head for the Hills
26. Singer-Songwriter: Danielle Ate the Sandwich
27. Country: Bonnie & the Clydes
28. Electronic: Juno What?!
29. Electronic-Experimental: Kevin Costner Suicide Pact
30. Electronic-Pop: ManCub
31. Jazz: Go Star
32. Blues: The Delta Sonics
33. Funk/Soul/R&B: Bop Skizzum
34. Reggae/Dub: Coral Thief
35. World: Euforquestra
36. DJ-EDM: Robotic Pirate Monkey
37. DJ-Hip-Hop: DJ Lazy Eyez
38. DJ-Dance: Rockstar Aaron - Westword

For a band that has been on a personnel roller coaster ride the last couple of years, alternative pop rockers Vices I Admire has managed to maintain a formidable presence in the local music scene. Dave Curtis (vocals, guitar) is the lone member of the original 2002 line-up. Dan Battenhouse (bass, formerly of the Fray) has been on board since 2009 and Alex Simpson (drums) just over a year. In 2012, original members Mark Towne (drums) and Mickey Dollar (guitar) left the band to pursue other interests. In the process, Curtis found a new guitarist in Tavis Alley only to see him move on in January of 2013.

“Man there’s just something about January the last two years,” states Curtis. “It’s a jinx month (laughing). I owe Mark and Mickey a lot more than I could ever get across with words,” he says, adding, “We worked well together.”

“It’s been a lengthy transition to the line-up we have now,” affirms Curtis, “But we’re running on all cylinders.”

With the new line-up set, the crew hit the studio and crafted the just-released six-song EP Fables. 2010’s The Politics of Apathy, an album still worthy of giving a spin, found a band hitting its stride. 2011’s Venom & Pride, a somewhat brooding four-song EP, found a band on the rocks; maybe hinting at the dark days on the horizon. The new release is a pleasant surprise. The band has maintained the edginess of previous releases, but has evolved musically.

The new material explores Curtis’ vocals more adeptly than in the past. “Come Home” is a toned down piece incorporating acoustic guitar work with a soft vocal quality. “Only Me” opens with a spacy experimental feel and builds to a rocking crescendo letting Curtis showcase his vocals. The band has definitively expanded their musical range with Fables, and the new EP is more than just an attractive addition to their resume:

“Fables was a chance to work as a three-piece unit and write something that still had that Vices feel,” expresses Curtis. “I think we managed to do it, even though it almost killed us in the process (ha-ha).”

“Working on the new record was good experience for me,” adds Simpson. “The record really allowed me to solidify my position in the band, work out routines to become part of the creative process.”

In the foreseeable future, Vices plans to work as a trio; there doesn’t seem to be any urgency to add another guitarist to the line-up. The live shows have incorporated a hired gun at second guitar in Scott Uhl. Some readers may know Uhl from Glass Delirium.

“Scott’s been great to step up and help out,” states Curtis. “He’s an excellent musician and knows our songs very well.”

The guys are definitely working hard and sacrificing. Curtis isn’t ready to throw in the towel yet. The band still has aspirations of hitting that homerun and taking it national. With a little marketing and strong show of support from the local masses, you never know what might come down the road.

Online: vicesiadmire.bandcamp.com/album/fables

“It is easier to go down a hill than up, but the view is from the top.” - Colorado Music Buzz

Remember when the term "modern rock" was popularized? Although nowadays it can be applied to just about anybody from Innerpartysystem to 30 Seconds to Mars, during the '90s it described an emerging niche format dedicated to outfits that were too heavy to be considered pop and too poppy to be considered metal — bands like Vices I Admire. Five years after releasing its debut, Plan B, Vices returns with a brand-new album and bassist Dan Battenhouse, formerly of the Fray. While Battenhouse's bass work was a bit too busy for that group, it ideally suits the sturdy, more sophisticated, guitar-driven sound that Vices has noticeably honed, resulting in nine tracks of tightly arranged rock that fans of groups like Collective Soul and Queens of the Stone Age would completely admire. - Westword

Many of us have been shying away from anything labeled “emo/screamo” ever since My Chemical Romance came onto the scene dripping with eye makeup and songs about shattered romance.

Vices I Admire CD CoverVices I Admire, however, is an entirely different story, and one with a happy ending. The Politics of Apathy is an album that shows that this band is not afraid to plow head-on into a genre that makes a lot of people cringe. They break all the rules and push the limits and get away with it.

The entire album drips with energy as lead singer Dave Curtis alternates between screams and sultry whispers seemingly inspired by Prince. “Monster” is one of the best vocal tracks, moving at a fast, ska-punk clip and boasting a catchy hook reminiscent of songs by The Matches.

“Sweetest Girl” is another standout track on the album, slowly building into a dance-pop party complete with funky beats and a chorus that wines and dines you to sing along. “Denouement, An Intermezzo” reminds me a bit of Muse, with a raindrop piano intro and Curtis once again showing off his impressive vocal range. This song keeps it simple with only vocals and piano, but it offers an eclectic transition into the next song, a pop-punk anthem entitled “Kiss, Kiss.”

Overall, The Politics of Apathy is a defining moment in the forward motion of Vices I Admire, highlighting their strengths and bending the strings of a genre they simultaneously push to satisfy and strive to break out of. - Scene Savvant

With most bands nowadays, after listening to a couple songs it’s fairly easy to figure out who their influences are or were, but listen to Vices I Admire and try to guess their influences. Chances are you’re not going to be able to do it. The sophomore release, The Politics Of Apathy, from this Denver quartet takes a nosedive into the bowels of music itself….to the roots, where music is uncorrupted, only to twist those roots and emerge with a hybrid of music that is not easily definable. This is not a rock album, it’s not a pop album……this is a music album.

“We indeed have a wide range of influences,” shares Vices drummer Mark Towne, “but we share a deep rooted connection to 90’s rock and grunge.” While their connection to 90’s rock and grunge may be evident it is not predominant. Some of the songs on this album tend to sound a little dark and Dave’s biting lyrics almost spit venom at times like "I’ll make it perfectly clear: all I desire is your physical pain" from the song 'Heartbreaker'. But, the songs are done with style, finesse, charm, and a serious grasp of songwriting that often leaves you wondering how anybody could possibly come up with ideas like they do.

There is a great mix of genres on this album, from funk, to pop, to classical...even a nod to hip hop, and it’s all played extremely well. The production on this CD is top notch allowing the talents of Vices I Admire to show through the polish of the studio and really shine. From Dave’s, Eddie Vedder meets Davey Havok style voice, to the ecletctic, yet precise guitar playing, and the sometimes funky, sometimes poppy bottom end from bass and drums, this album abounds with music that is sure to catch your attention and please the ear.

One of the best things about this CD is that some of the songs can come dangerously close to being considered “artsy”, but where most “artsy” type music fails to energize and impress, this album does both. These guys have proved that it is okay to be creative and different as long as you’re being different for the right reasons. They didn’t set out to be different to spite the music scene or to make a point. They ended up sounding different because of their wide spectrum of influences…..influences that they truly love and put to good use.

Out of all the new releases I have had the pleasure of listening to, from all over the U.S., The Politics Of Apathy is definitely in with the cream of the crop and is probably one of the best CD’s to come out of Denver this year.

Poppiest song on the CD - Sweetest Girl is definitely the most radio friendly tune on this CD

Edgiest song - Kiss Kiss has a seriously punkish beginning that makes you go Hell Yeah!

My favorite - …Go The Spoils (I love the lyrics and the way Dave places the words) - Interstate Live

I’m used to seeing huge turnouts at the larger venues when national and signed bands are playing. When local bands play the larger venues they can also have a good turnout but it’s usually not enough to make the venue seem full. When a local band can get 500 people to a show it’s great, but in a venue that fits fifteen hundred it might still seem a bit empty. So you can imagine my surprise when the Bluebird Theater kept filling up with people for the Vices I Admire CD release show.

Vices I Admire hit the local music radar in a big way with last year’s release “Politics Of Apathy”. That CD really defined them as a band that knew what their sound was, and what they wanted to be. Politics was a great alternative album that put to use many different genres to make a signature Vices sound. I didn’t know it was possible for a band to play laid back, mellow music, infused with so much energy until I heard Politics Of Apathy.
The new EP 'Venom & Pride' picks up where Politics left off. There is a definite groove to Vices’ music on both CDs while the lyrics are smartly written, but can drip with sarcasm. Vocalist Dave Curtis puts his heart into these songs wailing away on some songs and laying down frenzied words rapidly on others. And yet on some of the songs you can almost see the smirk that was surely on his face during recording.

The first track on the new EP starts out with an Angus Young sounding guitar riff that immediately gets your head bobbing. But that’s where the similarities between Vices and any other band out there end. Originality is their forte, and though they may have many different influences that mold the way their songs sound the finished product is still one hundred percent Vices I Admire. And I admire them for that.

I showed up to the Bluebird fairly early for the show and almost immediately wished I hadn’t shown up as early as I did. The Microdots were the first band up that night and they did their damndest to put me to sleep. But I was there to see Vices I Admire and there was no way in hell I was gonna succumb to sleepy time music. The guys in The Microdots may be great musicians, and to them I’m sure their music was rockin’, but from where I stood (leaning against the wall, knees buckling more and more with each song) it was a complete nap fest. I’ve never understood how a band can write a whole set consisting of nothing but extremely slow, mellow songs. I mean, how do they even finish writing the songs without falling asleep? C’mon, even the Grateful Dead and Phish sped it up from time to time.
Genre Theory had a pretty good draw that night and as it turns out they just released a CD also. Now, the band as a whole is a group of excellent musicians and their songs and live show reflect that. The problem is they came off as a bunch of self-indulgent art rockers with a holier than thou attitude. You can be a great musician in a band with other great musicians but once you start writing songs to see how complicated you can make them, how progressive they can be and how closely you follow music theory…..you kind of come off as a pompous ass. Not Genre Theory in particular. That goes for any pompous genius or overly smart person that flaunts their talents and knowledge in the face of others. You can only go so far towards perfection before it gets downright boring AND predictable. Sorry guys…..you definitely know your instruments and talents, but make it fun for everyone else too.

I realize that the Microdots and Genre Theory have fans and people that like to listen to them just like Yanni has fans and people that like to listen to him, but that doesn’t mean Yanni is fun to see in a live setting. A word to the Microdots: Put away the lava lamps and go a little easier on the leafy greens and it might get a little easier to write some up tempo stuff.

A word to Genre Theory : Genre Theory is a talented band, but a little oomph in the music that comes from the heart and gut instead of the head wouldn’t hurt.
I saw (and reviewed, however briefly) Take To The Oars a while back when they played with Lost Point for the Lost Point video release party. At that time I stated that they were a great bunch of musicians, and a great band but they were a little too mellow for me. Because of the first two bands on this bill I learned to appreciate the word mellow a whole lot more and I will not just throw the word “mellow” around willy nilly anymore. Take To The Oars is definitely a talented band

no doubt, but still a little too touchy feely for me. I still stand by my original write up of them. They ARE talented, and they DO play well on stage, and that means they have a lot more going for them than at least half of the Colorado bands out there right now. Like I said, they are talented…..and they put a lot more feeling into their live show than Genre Theory does. Take To The Oars has heart I’ll give them that, but they still remind me of a soundtrack band, albeit a goo - Interstate Live Music Blog

The band name Vices I Admire was inspired by the Winston Churchill quote, "He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire." The Denver-based group pride themselves on their DIY approach to booking, management and promotion. They have played the Denver date for the Warped Tour three years in a row and are currently promoting their second release, "The Politics Of Apathy", produced by Ian Pinder and Vices I Admire, recorded at Colorado Sound Studios, mixed by JP Manza (Franz Ferdinand, Matisyaho, Yo Flaco), and mastered by Phillip Klum (NIN, Alanis Morrisette, Jay-Z). - We Are Listening

What is your band name?
Vices I Admire
** Click here to listen to Vices I Admire on Earbits! **
Tell us about your band.
Vices I Admire, the band, has been around for nearly 10 years. It has gone through a handful of lineup changes, but still employees the original lead singer, me: Dave Curtis. We’ve played the Denver date of the Warped Tour a couple of times, we’ve won the grand prize from OurStage.com and WeAreListening.org. We’ve opened up for AWOLNATION, Filter, and Unwritten Law. We’ve release 3 albums and have a 4th on the way. We love making music and we love playing music for our fans. We also love to shower our fans with all the swag they can handle. Just ask anyone who has ever been to a show. No one leaves empty handed.
Have you ever had your music played on College or FM Radio?
We’ve been spun on college radio quite a bit. Our biggest player has probably been KCSU, though we’ve participated in a collegiate campaign via Tinderbox Music that sent our disc to 300 stations. We didn’t get top spins everywhere, but I know we did well in Phoenix, AZ and in Buffalo, NY… We get regular spins through 93.3 KTCL and even spend a week getting primetime rotation. That was pretty incredible.
** LIKE Vices I Admire on Facebook | FOLLOW Vices I Admire on Twitter **
What things did your band try in order to get on the radio and did they work?
Ha! The only thing that works is to know who you are sending your album to, then send it, then follow up. The best guarantee is being professional, available, tenacious and positive. Having all 4 of those at once in one person is sometimes a hard thing to do. Ha! I don’t believe anyone has ever volunteered their reason, unless it was a reason that did not involve them simply not enjoying the music. And we have never prompted someone to tell us why we were not chosen to receive spins, because, in the long run, it ain’t gonna matter much, and we don’t have time to belabor a sour point. Just move on, stay positive and keep writing music you believe in. - Earbits

It’s not very often that I can say there are immoral and wicked activities that I regard with warm approval, however now that Vices I Admire have been brought to my attention, I might have to say otherwise. Being a very well-known fact that I enjoy heavier/bolder music and even am known to be more of a “grungy bitch” than an “indie bitch”, when it was recommended that(because of my love for bands such as The Photo Atlas and Take To The Oars) I give Vices I Admire a listen, I was in. Denver has easily one of the best music scenes; not merely because of the amount of talent that there is, but also largely because there’s so many diverse sounds. The Politics of Apathy, the first album released by Vices I Admire, reminds me entirely of a vocal sound combination of so many different people all in one that I can’teven give you a good example.

Vices I Admire
Vices I Admire
The fact that I can’t think of who this band reminds me of is a very good thing; originality. ‘Keep Killin’ Me’ reminded me a lot of something along the lines of Candlebox but with such an extraoridinarily different sound. I’m extremely picky about who I listen to and honestly I’m quite judgemental when it comes to music because I don’t believe that everyone can be considered a musician, however - I believe Vices I Admire are just that. This band is right up my alley. While there are so many rock, grunge, hardcore, pop, alternative, bands in this city, each and every song of Vices I Admire that I’ve listened to has a little piece of every single genre. Their combination of percussion and heavy guitar sound puts me in the exact same mood that I get into when I listen to bands such as Alice In Chains, Candlebox, Local H, and even Blind Melon. Not being a very big fan of screamo because I think it sounds quite ridiculous, when lead singer David Curtis screams, it doesn’t sound like screaming. It flows. One thing that I can very highly respect is a singer who can pull this sort of thing off(i.e. David Draiman) and I really love the vibe that Vices I Admire sets off. Their sound is like the feeling you get after drinking an entire pot of coffee and not in the jittery way, in the way that you can feel your heart beating. Your feet stomping. Your entire body singing to this sound. I felt sort of like I woke up from a two day sleep and awoke to something…refreshing.



‘Cavity’ puts me in such a mood that I don’t even know how to express how I feel other than defined by the instrumental design and voice of this perfectly put together band. Sitting in Barnes and Noble surrounded by college kids, tapping my feet and shaking my head to the beat of Mark Towne’s(Drummer) beats and Mickey Dollar(Guitar) and Dan Battenhouse’s(Bass) sound may make me look like a complete lunatic to all the college kids writing their papers, but damn; I don’t think I’ve ever been so pumped inside a Barnes and Noble in my entire life. This is definitely a band to watch out for and something that should be on at least three different play lists that you have on your iPod because of their compelling sense of diversity with every single note. These guys are my suggestion for October, don’t miss out on them.

Listen to all of Vices I Admire here. - Indie Bitches

There are many ways I could go about starting this review. Perhaps one would be to talk about how Vices I Admire made the move from Fort Collins to Denver around the same time I did. While they kept making music and recording a new record, I decided to start writing about music. Maybe I could start by drawing comparisons to other bands, there are a few to be made here. Vices newest record The Politics of Apathy is a bit like a roughed up version of Incubus with a little bit more attitude. Or, perhaps, I should start by saying this: Vices I Admire have recorded a record that has “in your face” guitar-rock sound, but also realizes that simply blasting people away with rock is not enough.

This record comes kicking right out of the gates. “Keep Killin’ Me” has the kind of driving guitars and catchy choruses that will get anyone moving. The closest thing to a single on the record is track #2, “Heartbreaker.” This song ebbs and flows, while focusing on a central guitar riff. While the rest of the record maintains a similar level of “rock-ness,” not every song is intended to be a head-banger. “Denouement: An Intermezzo” starts the second half of Politics with a simple mix of piano and vocals. However, no momentum is lost from the piano intermission. Even the last track “Monster” keeps high spirits in a Zebrahead-esque manner.
Perhaps one of the best aspects of this record is that Vices I Admire is offering it as a free download via their website. However, that’s not all! (I’m starting to sound like an infomercial pitchman, dang). They’re giving the physical-copy CD a proper release with a show at the Bluebird on January 1. The show is only $5 with a discount ticket available on www.vicesiadmire.com
- Something Like Sound

Local Denver band Vices I Admire, an alternative indie band recently voted into the Top 12 Bands for Channel 93.3's Hometown for the Holidays, is headlining a concert tonight at the Bluebird Theater to celebrate the release of their sophomore CD release, The Politics of Apathy. Also appearing are Glass Delirium, Other Side of Clearview and The Pilot Light.

Vices I Admire was formed by four students at Colorado State University in 2002; since that time, the band has undergone a name change (their original moniker was "Plan B"), a move to Denver, and a change in the band lineup when the original bassist left the group. All the while, the band continued to play, write and develop a solid fan base in the area.

Perhaps one of the most defining characteristics of the band is their intense dedication and work ethic. According to Vices drummer Mark Towne, one of the reasons it took eight months to replace their bassist was that it was difficult to find a player with both the skill and commitment they were looking for. Vices eventually settled on Dan Battenhouse, formerly of The Fray, whom Towne says has proven to be a great addition to the band.

Tonight's concert starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $10 at the door, but if you print a ticket from the band's website in advance, admission is $5. The Bluebird Theater is located at 3317 E. Colfax in Denver. Concert is for ages 16+, but under 16 will be admitted with parent or guardian.

For a limited time, the band's new CD The Politics of Apathy is available for free download from their website. - Examiner

Thursday is already upon us, which means it’s time to start making your weekend plans, if you haven’t already. As a possibility, we submit to you Denver band Vices I Admire. The melodic hard rock outfit will release its latest EP, “Venom & Pride,” tomorrow night at the Bluebird Theater, with support from Genre Theory, Microdots and Take to the Oars. Read on to learn why you should pencil this one into your diary, and steal a track from the new EP before its official release.

Vices I Admire formed in Fort Collins way back in 2002, but it was last year’s “Politics of Apathy” that really launched the band forward. The record’s hard, moody rock — influenced as much by ’90s grunge as by ’00s emo — grabbed ears far from our fair city, getting play on major TV shows and putting the band on some impressive bills.

“Venom & Pride” picks up where “Politics of Apathy” left off. Drummer Mark Towne and bassist Dan Battenhouse propel the four songs on the EP with balletic power, while guitarists Dave Curtis and the improbably named Mickey Dollar build textures that swoop without warning from quiet and brooding to shrill and menacing like an angry and depressive drunk. The heart of these songs, however, lies in Curtis’s emotive, soul-baring vocals and the band’s beautifully produced harmonies. The deft balance of brute force and shimmering vulnerability makes the punch of this record all the more powerful.

“Hero” is the lead single from “Venom & Pride.” Steal it today, and then get down to the Bluebird tomorrow night to catch the band live. Every paid ticket gets a copy of the EP as well. - Reverb

Denver-based band Vices I Admire is celebrating the end of the year with a gift to all its fans by offering a free download of their entire music discography. Available for a limited time, the download is a way for the band to give back to its hometown for helping them become one of Denver’s premiere unsigned bands. Currently competing in KTCL’s (93.3FM) Hometown for the Holidays contest, Vices I Admire is making an impression with its indie rock sound and hopes to add to that exposure with this free gift that includes album art and liner notes. - Marquee Magazine

The local scene has plenty of bands that are residing at the level of “up-and-coming”, “waiting to be discovered” by the right people to listen to them. What we have few of these days are bands that we can say are actually up-and-coming with plenty of momentum. Day by day, the spread of Vices I Admire in conversations amongst music lovers is growing exponentially, and with their fourth album just released, Fables, this will hopefully continue the trend. With the diversity of the music scene here in Denver, it seems to have planted some ideas in the band’s heads. This band has a lot of great ideas in their music.

While riding the border between alternative and pop-alternative, these guys have managed a large assortment of sounds with seeming influences from bands like Foo Fighters, Incubus, even Korn. This has shown an interesting progression of style along the journey to their fourth album. This has surely been a benefit to their sound and appeal. While they don’t provide the newest or most unique sound to the music scene, they provide a solid rock sound. This rock is sprinkled with different styles all throughout, which is great for a listener looking for variety in their music that expands and evolves with the band.
Vices I admire shows some strong promise to be yet another Air Dubai or Big Head Todd and the Monsters to represent the Colorado music scene across the country and quite possibly, across the seas. If you like Panic! at he Disco, Incubus, Streetlight Symphony, Arctic Monkeys, or even Foo Fighters, you stand a chance of finding something to like in this band. Be sure to check them out the next time they’re in concert here.
Written By: Travis Tucker
Photo Courtesy Of: Google
- KMET Radio

his band is one of the Vices I Admire, no pun intended. Borrowing their name from
one of the world’s most historic figures, Sir Winston Churchill, Vices I Admire bring an
album chock full of hit songs, something not expected in today’s music industry.
Unsatisfied with fitting in, the band takes a trip to the wild side of rock and brings back
a trophy catch with their new album release titled, “The Politics of Apathy”.

One of the top songs on the album, “Heartbreaker”, is in a galaxy of its own. On the
song Curtis spills his vocal talent all over the place, painting revolution and riots
everywhere he goes, while his band mates Mickey Dollar, Dan Battenhouse, and Mark
Towne help him burn the place to the ground. The song has “hit” written all over it, as
Curtis explains to us “the politics of apathy.”

In addition to “Heartbreaker”, another top choice of mine is the song “Sweetest Girl”
which was featured on MTV’s THE REAL WORLD LAS VEGAS. The song is the album
opener, and is a great way to come out of the “gate.” On the song, Curtis expresses
his frustration with what he calls a “melodramatic love affair” with the sweetest girl. The
song is a commercially viable selection that is perfect for Top 40 radio.

"Our ultimate goal is to continue growing as musicians and artists and share the music
we create with as many as we are able." -- Vices I Admire

Other bands out there should take a page from Vices I Admire’s book and simply make
great music instead of trying to fit in. Visit this band’s site and purchase their music.
Lets help keep real music alive and breathing. - I Am Entertainment

The members of Vices I Admire noticed something odd about the bass player as soon as he showed up to audition. It was early 2009. Vocalist Dave Curtis, lead guitarist Mickey Dollar and drummer Mark Towne had been looking for a replacement for departed bassist Robert Marston for eight months. After unsuccessfully trying out at least twenty bass players harvested through Craigslist ads and mutual contacts, the search was starting to take a toll on the band.

"One thing was off with each of them," Towne recalls. "One guy was really good but just not quite our style, more rooted in Rush or something. When we started playing something...it just didn't sound right. It was really a frustrating time."

The tedious and taxing process of finding someone new to hold down the low end was keeping the group from refining its sound, the structure of which was rooted in a modern-rock style popularized by late-'90s outfits like Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age: densely frenetic vocals, driving distortion and pointed tempos. With a fresh batch of songs written and ready to record, the lack of a bass player was the main roadblock to the group's development into something more distinct. "I know that we were starting to lose a lot of steam," Towne admits, "because we had all of these plans, and we couldn't do them."

Enter Dan Battenhouse, a jack-of-all-trades who had earned money doing everything from driving a cab to building furniture after earning his bachelor's degree in business from Colorado Christian University. A bassist who favored an elaborate finger-picking and slap-bass style, Battenhouse showed up for the tryout with a considerable handicap. "I had a cast on," he recalls. "I had just been rolled by a horse, and I had emergency surgery on my right wrist as a result of that. I couldn't do any of that slap stuff that I've done, and definitely no pick, so I just ended up playing with my two fingers — my index finger and my middle finger."

The injury was only part of what made Battenhouse stand out. His background could arguably have been just as off-putting for a band seeped in carefully calculated feedback and speedy tempos, a group that had settled early on a niche slightly outside the boundaries of mainstream rock. Battenhouse, you see, had played bass for the Fray when the group was still a five-piece, immediately before it signed with Epic Records in 2004 and went on to achieve national fame with a brand of rock that was decidedly poppy. But neither the injury nor the experience with a pop outfit hampered Battenhouse's performance in the audition. Starting with the bass line for "Heartbreaker," a driving tune anchored by straight-ahead figuring in both verse and chorus, the bassist followed the cues with ease.

"He started playing, and he fit better than anyone else, which is crazy to think about," Curtis asserts. "It was surprising how many people came in and knew fuck-all about the track. It was pretty quick with Dan."

That quick fit allowed the band, which formed in 2002 while the members were classmates at Colorado State University, to get into Colorado Sound Studios with engineer and Take to the Oars bassist J.P. Manza. Finding Battenhouse finally gave the band the personnel it needed to complete The Politics of Apathy, the followup to Plan B that touted a more progressive style than the band's debut. Songs like "Monster" and "Apathology" revealed a mature approach to composition and songwriting.

Two years later, the band is poised to take another significant step forward with the release of Venom and Pride. The four-track EP will represent Vices' first effort written and recorded with Battenhouse on bass. In "The Union," for example, what starts as an ornamented bass intro weaves its way into the lead melody, while "Hero" layers a choppy, aggressive guitar riff over a bass line that becomes progressively more insistent and prominent. These subtleties underlie structures that sound more streamlined, songs that rely less on well-worn elements of alternative rock and more on a new chemistry.

"When Dan first came in, we had a ton of songs," Dollar notes. "It was all pretty much stuff that Rob had written before he left. But this is the first time that we've put anything down with him. We started the songs with him from the beginning."

That process has been liberating for Battenhouse, who still bears the figurative scars of difficult lessons learned about the business side of the music industry. The grittier dynamic of Vices I Admire seems more suited to Battenhouse's approach to the bass, he notes. The marriage of driving riffs and a wider harmonic palette has offered more artistic leeway.

"It's allowed me to both simplify things and make my approach more intricate in other - Westword - by A.H. Goldstein

Vices I admire, a four piece out of Denver, Colorado, have crafted a solid rock album. Their sophomore release, The Politics of Apathy, demonstrates both melancholy introspection and angsty passion. Instrumentation is strong, with Mickey Dollar on guitar, Dan Battenhouse on bass, and Mark Towne on drums. David Curtis delivers impressive vocals. Whether crooning or shouting, the man has some powerful lungs.

Recorded at Colorado Sound Studios, The Politics of Apathy is a heavily produced rock album. Vocals range from melodic to screaming- a technique Curtis employs with skill. Instrumentation draws heavily on metal. The high production and catchy, chunky, head-banging guitar riffs lands Vices I Admire solidly in the realm of rock; too polished for punk, too pretty for metal, and too classic for indie. While heavy production and borrowed metal riffs does seem to strip The Politics of Apathy of some authenticity and originality, a tangible passion and honesty behind the music saves this release from falling under the umbrella category of mainstream rock. Listeners won’t be able to avoid being caught up in each distinct track.

Track one, “Keep Killing Me,” is probably the most brutal track on the record, beginning with a curdling scream from Curtis. The rest of the track is consistent in intensity, with a head-banging chorus and some extreme metal riffage. The second song, “Heartbreaker,” is straight-up rock. Curtis shows off his pipes with quick shifts in intensity and a broad vocal range, backed by catchy guitar riffs. “Heartbreaker” is a solid rock hit, though not the most memorable or unique track on the album.

“Sweetest Girl” starts slower, picking up into a foot-tapping ballad interspersed with breakdowns and shifting tempos that provide an engaging aural texture. Again, Curtis’ vocals are showcased, as he accelerates from a slow lament to high-energy screams in mere seconds. “It Is” begins with a gentle snare roll from Towne, who is soon joined by piano and pretty meandering guitar. Curtis changes his timbre in “It Is,” replacing angst with a dark and restrained passion. The track demonstrates the versatility of Vices I admire, invoking masters of angst and subdued reflection Envy on the Coast. “It Is” is one of this release’s strongest offerings.

The fifth track, “Denouement: An Intermezzo,” serves as a melancholy ballad dividing the album. Curtis’ multi-track vocals are sweet and tortured in this brief, poignant interlude. Lyrics invoke maudlin imagery, and the piano is haunting, staying with the listener after the song’s conclusion and drawing her back again and again. “Kiss Kiss” counteracts the sweet sadness of “Denouement: An Intermezzo” with intense and immediate energy, though Curtis’ lyrics and timbre still echo the dark, contemplative undertones that course through the entire album. Instrumentation is vaguely reminiscent of early releases from dark rock kings My Chemical Romance. “Kiss Kiss” is one of the catchiest and most memorable tracks on The Politics of Apathy.

“Go the Spoils” kicks off with Curtis’ banter, monotone at times, invoking the apathy referenced in the album title. The vocals are layered over quintessential, understated guitar and drums of indie rock. The song has a pleasantly haunting cadence, mid-tempo and meandering, with whispered breakdowns and beautifully morose guitar wailing in the background. The conclusion delivers a dark explosion of passion from vocal and instruments alike. On “Apathology,” Curtis is almost rapping, which is somewhat of a disappointing divergence from his incredible vocal competency on other tracks. This delivery causes “Apathology” to veer towards musical territory previously charted by the likes of Linkin Park. Later, Curtis is joined by female backing vocals. The track is mid-tempo and builds gradually to an instrumental break where guitars partake in classic rock riffs. One of the album’s least experimental tracks, it also seems to lack the emotional intensity that carries much of the album.

The last track, “Monster,” is both fast and haunting, full of interesting quirks, such as eerie whistling and grim theological references to the cross. Lyrics, delivered by Curtis in the same almost-rap of the previous track, revolve around pessimistic observations on the human condition. The only track off the album to include profanity, “Monster” doesn’t overdo it, and lines such as fucking is the latest trend add to the passion and angst that Vices I Admire are so adept at capturing.

As a whole, The Politics of Apathy is a solid sophomore album. Vices I Admire harness and release energy effectively, exploring and, for the most part, sticking to their strengths. Listeners can expect this band to mature even further on future records, giving us more of the authentic passion that characterizes their songwriting and musicianship. - Review You - by Kendra Atleework

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Harley Patton
Free Music Link: http://vicesiadmire.bandcamp.com/
Notes: Get your free download here!

Dispassionate dishonesty is the black lung of today’s popular music. I, for one, am tired of being served the same soggy, disappointing McSong over and over again – it’s never as good as it looks in the picture and it rarely fills you up. I’m hungry for some real meat and, ladies and gents, I think I just found the sirloin. Describing themselves as an “alternative rock band dedicated to writing honest and passionate music,” Vices I Admire is cooking it up and throwing it at you, whether you like it or not.

Vices I Admire is but a humble group of four Denverites, who are slowly pushing their way through Shit Creek with a paddle made of pure Rock. Their new EP, Venom and Pride, is a 15-minute dash over white-water rapids and razor sharp rocks. It’s fast, it’s crazy, it’s fun.
The first track and single of Venom and Pride, “Hero,” is only the starter pistol; the album doesn’t lose any momentum until the whole race is over. “Hero” has just about everything any good piece of altrock needs: some choppy distorted guitar riffs, a killer chorus, some dynamic variety, and wicked backing vocals.

However, the real Hero of this record is the second track, “Forever.” It starts off innocently enough, but by the end of the track, you’ll be searching for your socks. Once the lead singer, David Curtis, gets going in the first verse the song really starts to rip. His vocal rhythms are percussive and soothing, and it’s all layered on top of a syncopated guitar riff and a steady kick drum pulse. In the later half of the song, a whole choir comes in to do backing vocals – something quite unheard of in the style of rock.

This record is a pretty package, wrapped in a bow. Every track is wonderfully mixed. The many vocal tracks all fit together like a jigsaw. The guitar overlays stand out but don’t muddy things up. The drums hang back and give the rest of the group support.
Fans of Foxy Shazam will definitely get something out of this record. Dave Curtis’ soaring vocals are reminiscent or Eric Sean Nally’s, Foxy’s front man. Followers of The Toadies will appreciate the record’s rhythmic complexity and heavy sound.

Vices I Admire have delivered a refreshing departure from the norm in Venom and Pride – don’t miss it!

Rating: 4/5 STARS!!!

Album Name: Venom and Pride
Date Released: November, 2011
Genre(s): Alternative/Indie Rock
Location: Denver, Colorado
Band Members: Dave Curtis-Vocals, Dan Battenhouse-Bass, Mickey Dollar-Guitar, Mark Towne-Drums
Website: www.vicesiadmire.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/vicesiadmireband
MySpace: www.myspace.com/vicesiadmire
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/vicesiadmire
Bandcamp: http://vicesiadmire.bandcamp.com/ - Indie Music Reviewer - by Harley Patton

By Brigit Anderson -

Fables, self-released May 4 at Vice Studios, is the fourth studio album from Denver band Vices I Admire. Since its conception, the band’s seen a fair share of line-up changes with perhaps the only constant being vocalist/guitarist Dave Curtis. With such a volatile assortment, it would be easy to excuse the band for challenges in group dynamics, but no such excuse is necessary with Vices I Admire. Instead, we are only left to hope that the line-up that formed and released Fables is the one to stay because together they’ve produced an impressively inviting album.

The Denver band cleanly synthesizes a rock mentality with a pop instinct. It easily toys with a variety of beats and themes to its songs. “Come Home” introduces the band as a quiet and subtle listen. Dave Curtis’ lyrics and vocals drive the song. Accompanied with a soft piano, the light voice creates a ballad-like track that isn’t found anywhere else in this album’s repertoire. Then there are tracks like “Last Chance” that dip more into a dance-rock style that might initially seem to contradict the band’s work as a whole, but really adds to the potential of the group.

Throughout the album it’s almost as if the band decided to take turns showcasing individual instruments in different songs. Curtis might drive “Come Home,” “Last Chance” definitely acts as a stage on which bassists Dan Battenhouse shines and “Beautiful Fire” is where drummer Alex Simpson leads the pack.

The songwriting is the cause of these instrumental showcases, as opposed to the production of the album whose balance favors all parts equally. This is a self-produced album (like all of Vices I Admire’s releases through Vice Records), but it doesn’t read like an attempt in amateur production. Listening through the band’s historic records, there’s an obvious improvement in the quality of the production and Fables follows this trend as easily the band’s best produced album to date. Regardless of who the members at any given time may be, Vices I Admire brings its ideas from the start to the finish line and that dedication is reflected in Fables.

The album certainly has a harder edge but approaches the edge lightly so that Fables can be listened to and enjoyed by even those not totally sold on harder rock. Yes, there is some screaming in “Only Me,” but it doesn’t feel aggressive or detract from the generally melodic quality of Vices I Admire’s sound. Even with the variety of genres that are represented on this album the band never relinquishes its grasp of melodic significance. - KIT 21 - by Brigit Anderson

In the past, I've used this space to applaud the amazing work of Denver's Vices I Admire. The band has, in the short time, evolved generations. They are releasing a new EP titled Fables on May 4th, featuring the epic cover art shown above. Vices, as I'll refer to them colloquially from now on, were a post-punk, hard rocking band when I saw them last. What we hear on Fables is a more bare mix, loaded with more creative songwriting, and more complex arrangements. Shades of Jimmy Eat World's debut, and Queens of the Stone Age come to mind, but Vices is also climbing undauntedly toward a confident stadium rock greatness.

With a partially revamped line-up, you can read details below, Vices I Admire now plays for a larger crowd than they had on albums and tracks past. This is a band happily building its audience, but actively seeking the world to hear them. A mellower, more earnest, and direct lyrical style makes Fables a deserving listen. And the catchy, alt-pop hooks and melodies create an experience that both demands dancing and decries the nonchalance associated with tapping your feet to songs about distance, disillusionment and rebirth.


Check out "Come Home" and "Beautiful Fire" for two disparate, unique and enjoyable tastes. You can listen to the album for a limited time here: http://vicesiadmire.bandcamp.com/album/fables.

Tickets for the May 4th CD release show are currently available at moonroomatsummit.com


Vices I Admire is an alternative rock band from Denver, CO. The current lineup is Dave Curtis (vocals, guitar; 2002-present), Dan Battenhouse (bass, vocals; 2009-present) and Alex Simpson (drums, vocals; 2012-present); for performances, a second-guitarist spot is filled by various musicians, the most recent being Tavis Alley (of Speakeasy Tiger) and Scott Uhl (of Glass Delirium).
By Nate Ragolia - Gas Lantern Media -- by Nate Ragolia

Album reviewed by: Andrew Maffettone (Founder/CEO)

Vices I Admire is an alternative-rock band from Colorado and their E.P. “Fables” brings back a familiar sound while keeping it modern. All of my all-time favorite alternative bands come to mind when I listen to this album and it feels good.
The album opens up with “The Wicked Sun” and this song does what the first track on an album is supposed to do, it kicks you in the face and tells you to get ready. The song is structurally entertaining with many ups and downs keeping you rocking out and entertained the entire time. Following right behind is “Come Home” which starts off with a simple yet elegant and sexy drum beat. The song is a little on the slower side which allows you to really listen to the lyrics. This song seems to have the most emotional attachment to the singer, he seems to really put his heart in this one. Next is “Last Chance”, I had this listed as my favorite track but then I had to change it at the last minute. There is nothing wrong with this song at all, I just happened to like the other one more. The instrumentation in this track is what gets it for me. It’s entertaining and helps build the vocals a lot then it turns into a catchy fun to dance and/or rock out to. “Only Me” is a longer track that has a large build that is worth it. It has an awesome instrumental build that grows into one of the more epic tracks on this album. Closing out the album is “Orion”, this song keeps up the high energy and makes you want to start the whole album over again. When you finish listening it reminds you of getting off a roller coaster because you immediately want to do it again.
This is a fantastic album that needs some more recognition. There are a couple shaky parts but honestly, it’s barley noticeable and I may be making it up, I’m not sure. If you love good old fashioned alternative-rock bands then Vices I Admire is for you. They’ll show you the modern edge to the greats of our past.

Preview my favorite song on the album, “Beautiful Fire” below. - Booked Promotions

Vices I Admire are a trio hailing from the Rocky Mountain State of Colorado. The band formed in 2002 while at college in Fort Collins, CO; they developed a local fan base through “do-it-yourself” regional tours, and managed to put out their first album Plan B in 2005. Since then they lost a bass player, tried out over 20 replacements, and relocated to Denver. The band’s lineup has been set since 2009 now, and Vices I Admire is Alex Simpson on drums, Dan Battenhouse on bass and guitars, and Dave Curtis on vocals and guitar {Editor’s Note: Please see comments below}. With their latest offering, Fables, they deliver a driven rock album of songs that know when to let go and thrash out, and when to pull back to be soft and silent. It is an album that will help the band build on their fan base and expand it from the regional success they already enjoy to a wider audience that is hungry for a new alternative rock movement.

The album kicks off with “Wicked Sun,” opening with a simple drum beat that is soon accompanied by a quick taste of the guitar riff that drives the song’s verses, before diving into rocked out heavy chord riffing, while pulling back just in time to let Dave Curtis’ voice start in soft and deliberate before peaking through the choruses and refrain of “gnash your teeth alone, grind the bones, and pull the demon out of me.” The second track, “Come Home,” starts off with a similar drum beat that never lets down, but, with this track, never kicks it into high gear, as the band showcases its softer side, but doesn’t drag as Mr. Simpson’s drums keep the track flowing along. The band does kick it back into a higher gear with “Last Chance,” while showing off their stoner-groove side with “Only Me,” and it’s drawn out spacey-intro before settling into a head nodding (short of head banging) riff that drives the song. Then they refuse to let down as they power through “Beautiful Fire,” and “Orion,” which is a good enough song to give the band a pass on giving it the same name as Metallica’s classic from Master of Puppets.

Fables, as an album also offers hints of the promise of what Vices I Admire can accomplish as a live act. With the great drumming that pushes the songs along, heavy enough guitars that won’t alienate listeners by being too heavy metal, or too ambient/spacey alternative rock, and guitar solos and vocals that soar at all the right times – with choruses and refrains that can be sung along too, the songs on Fables threaten to allow the band a chance to take themselves and their fans someplace special at the time that the house lights go down and they take the stage. If you’re in or around Colorado, and want to check them out as a live act, they will be playing shows on May 24 in Broomfield, June 14 in Golden, and July 18 in Denver, CO, they should be well worth seeing, especially if you consider yourself to be part of that audience who is starving for new alternative rock. - WordKrapht - Alex Johnson

Vices I Admire. Not only is it part of a very cool phrase but it’s also a Denver band that I have come to expect big things from.

The first time I had ever had the pleasure of listening to Vices I Admire was back in January 2011. I received “The Politics Of Apathy” and immediately found a fondness for their writing style as well as their talent. Almost a year after that first listen I was finally able to review one of their live shows and quickly realized that Vices I Admire were not only a talented band in the studio but a force to be reckoned with on stage. But just when I was really getting into them Vices came to a screeching halt when guitarist Mickey and drummer Mark left the band. It was an amicable split but I had to wonder, would there ever be another Vices I Admire show? Well, with the blessing of Mickey and Mark it seems Dave and Dan have found two other musicians adept at filling in the missing pieces and are now playing under the Vices I Admire moniker once more.




The Vices I Admire debut show with the two new band members ‘Moustachio’ Tavis Alley (guitar) and Alex Simpson (drums) was held at the Marquis Theater this past Friday night with all capitals and The Hate (more on them at another time) opening the show.

Even though I, like many of you, received Vices’ newly recorded single “Beautiful Fire” and loved it I still went to the show with some trepidation about how they may sound live with two new guys in the band. I needn’t have worried. As always Vices I Admire put on an electrifying show and other than a few minute changes to a couple of the old songs they sounded exactly the same.

Although far from full, Vices got a commendable crowd at the Marquis for their first show with the new line-up and most if not all of the people in attendance stayed until the last song of the night. There were obviously many long time Vices fans as I heard and saw numerous people singing “The Politics Of Apathy”, “Hero” and many other songs right along with Dave. There were a couple people dancing wildly while others danced inconspicuously, bodies barely swaying back and forth. There were some people that were trying to mosh? If you have ever been to a Vices show you know these cats can rock the hell out, but moshing to their music? Not so sure about that one.




The enthusiasm the band shows on stage hasn’t changed either. There is still a frantic almost pent up feeling from their live show, like if the guys don’t charge through a show full steam ahead they may self-destruct and they seemed almost fidgety in their earnestness to play.

Alex does a fantastic job on drums especially when you consider the very different beats of a lot of the songs. Vices are not a 4-4 tempo band. There is some odd timing on a lot of their songs and there are a lot of odd fills here and there that Alex had to learn, and learn them he did. His timing was almost impeccable on just about every song they played.

It seems that Tavis is more than qualified to fill in the empty spot left by Mickey. Where Mickey would “dance” around while playing guitar, with legs flying all over the place Tavis is more reserved…….but not by much. Watching “Moustachio” on stage you can see the music slowly taking over as he starts moving deliberately at first but loosens up more and more as the music takes him, limbs becoming more fluid with each note he plays, and he plays well. Just as Alex had to learn the drum parts so did Tavis have to learn all the guitar parts which are anything but simple. What might sound like just cacophonous guitar noise by itself becomes melodious when played with the music of the rest of the band and a guitar player has to know how to write and play so that his parts add to, rather than detract from the song, and Tavis does this quite well.

As always Dan and Dave are the ultimate professionals on stage. Every note, every bend of a bass or guitar string carefully calculated to make sure the live songs sound the best they can.
Dan is a great bass player but stays somewhat out of the limelight. Watching him though, you know he is comfortable with his bass slung over his shoulders, hammering away at the strings bringing an almost funky low end to the songs. He also has a pretty decent voice when he sings back up, but most people may not realize this as ninety percent of the crowd watches Dave.

Dave exemplifies what it means to be a front man. He puts his soul into every word that comes out of his mouth whether it’s a growl, a shout, or he’s singing softly. Eyes darting back and forth fervently from face to face he makes sure he’s getting through to each and every person in the crowd. I have said before that he sounds like a cross between Eddie Vedder and Davey Havok and I still stick by that although when he wants to he can get his voice quite high almost bordering on shrill. Generally the persona of a band rests on the shoulders of the vocalist who is usually front and center and it - Interstate Live

First, an apology is in order. I was out on a long whirlwind trip to see relatives, including my elderly (95) grandfather. Those trips always remind of a few things. Thing One: We do not choose our family, but we love them anyway. Thing Two: There's something valuable about the idea of living a long life, but I wonder how much we obsess over the idea when we're younger, forgetting that those people who have reached "long life" might not be as happy as we believe they should be. Thing Three: I have a very nice life of my own that is worth enjoying for every single second of it. In any case, I have been away from this space for a little while, focusing on the comic, but I will never let Gas Lantern go because the music means so much to me. Also, it has afforded me some great inside tracks to incredible bands like Vices I Admire.

With hints of The Killers, but with Hot Fuss lyrical coherence throughout, Vice I Admire is a hidden gem. To boot, they're from Denver, my incredible home city. In short, this band fucking kills at everything. In a song like "Sweetest Girl" David Curtis's vocals growl while giving away a bit of vulnerability that makes the lusty narrative and Madonna/Whore complex story depth. Mickey Dollar on guitar shreds beautifully, angrily and sensually at once, and Dan Battenhouse's bass lines are hearty, driving, and leading. The drumming via Mark Towne, create a controlled chaos that's brain-rattling and energizing. This is driving music. This is also Queens of the Stone Age/Foo Fighters/so much more. "Kiss Kiss" sounds dangerous, but never lost of its pop sensibilities. Whispered backing vocals create a call-and-response that's haunting. The crawling guitars frighten and entice.

The band, according to their website, met at CSU up in Fort Collins, but this point, today in 2012 may well define them the most. They are Colorado's next big act. They just are. The music is refined and potent. These songs will stick in your head. They will make you move. They aren't cock rock, they aren't stadium rock, they are super-garage rock, vibrant and fiery. There are even shades of Prince in songs like "Heartbreaker." And the potent rattling march of "It Is" can give way to a more casual, softer feeling too. I hate to make broad declarations about music, but there's really no downside here. You'll find male confusion, sexuality, loss of self, rediscovery, powerful calls for revolution, and all of it with perfectly crafted melodies and arrangements. They get heavy and a little overwrought in places. "Poor Boy" felt a little too frantic, but amid the rest of the mix, it's not a failure, but a digression.

Holy shit. Listen to it here. Then think about offering Vices I Admire something and buying it.
- Gas Lantern Media

Colorado Music Buzz - May 4th, 2009

By Charlie Sullivan

Joining forces in 2002 and cultivating their craft since, Denver-based Vices I Admire is back and ready to assault your auditory palate with their eclectic songbook. These lads have been prepping over the last few months to take the city by storm. Dropping off the radar after the loss of their bass player, “Things definitely slowed down a little,” conveys Mark Towne (drums, manager). Mark, Dave Curtis (vocals, guitar), and Mickey Dollar (lead guitar) stuck with it rehearsing while auditioning bass players. They found him in former Fray bassist, Dan Battenhouse: Once again the band’s ready to deliver the goods. “Practicing without a bass player was strange,” expresses Dave. “We found a good one.” Self-described as a high-energy Alt/Indie/Rock act, the group is ready to get back out on the club circuit after the brief layoff.

The band has been refining their sound looking to court a larger following. “Our sound won’t be as aggressive as it previously was,” suggests Mickey. “We want to take our music to another level, appeal to those who really appreciate music for what it is,” a nod of agreement from all. With the talent level this troupe displays I have no doubt that the statement’s on target. “I really like the direction we’re going with the music,” maintains Dan. “We don’t want to sound explicitly like other bands in our genre.”
It’s been awhile since 2005’s Plan B EP, the band wasn’t sure what direction to move in after they released the CD. They were still up at CSU figuring things out, now they’re galvanized and they won’t be swayed from ascending to the top. They’ll be heading into the studio this month to lay down their second album, The Politics Of Apathy, with an anticipated late-summer release. JP Manza (engineer), along with Ian Pinder (producer), will be engaged to assist with bringing it all together. “Ian’s really challenged us to push ourselves, he’s been a major influence on our sound,” conveys Mark.
They’ve posted a demo, “Heartbreaker,” a new tune along with their older pieces on Myspace.com/VicesIAdmire – give them a spin. By the time you’ve read this article they’ll already be back on the club scene dishing it out. When pressed about taking the act national they shot back with some advice from another band, “We don’t want to move the band; we need to own the city we’re in, everything else will fall into place in time.” Get ready to be owned, Denver, these guys have the swagger.
Curious about the name, study up on your Winston Churchill.

If you like: Brothers in Arms Band, Incubus, Deftones

Myspace.com/VicesIAdmire
- Colorado Music Buzz

The bio for this band, which headlines a December 17 CD-release party at Bender's Tavern, mingles hardscrabble tales with two admissions: "We have been likened to Pearl Jam, Incubus, Korn" and "We probably sound like some of them." Plan B. , which is both Vices I Admire's previous moniker and the title of its new disc, confirms the accuracy of these statements even as it offers hope that the players will ultimately outgrow them.

Guitarist Mickey, drummer Mark, singer Dave and bassist Rob (no last names, please) display their versatility throughout tunes such as "Skin," in which whisper-to-a-yowl dynamics build persuasively over nearly six minutes. Although these techniques are nothing new, the energetic performances justify overlooking their familiarity, at least this time around.

The future's another matter, but it's a good sign that the men of Vices don't deny the derivative aspects of Plan B. Recognizing an issue is the first step toward addressing it. - Westword

Its funny how meaningful a bass player can be to the specific sound of a band. Vices I Admire, and Alternative/Indie Rock band from Colorado, was without a bass player for 6 months before finally landing their new guy; former The Fray bassist Dan Battenhouse (recorded on The Fray sessions entitled The Reason EP). The former Vices I Admire sounded more like early incubus, their original track Monster contains syncopated drums and bass and a rap vocal style during the verse with big, drawn out vocals during the chorus. On the other hand, Vices I Admire 2.0 (the current form of the band) has recorded their first new song entitled Heartbreaker, that sounds much more like Nine Inch Nails meets Pearl Jam. Both versions of the band sound great, staying upbeat, intense and powerful without ever becoming monotonous, but it is interesting none the less to see how much a band can change from one bass player to the next.

Vices I Admire are currently in the works of putting together their first album with the current form of the band and have a comeback show scheduled. - MicControl

By Molly McCowan

Many of us have been shying away from anything labeled “emo/screamo” ever since My Chemical Romance came onto the scene dripping with eye makeup and songs about shattered romance.

Vices I Admire, however, is an entirely different story, and one with a happy ending. The Politics of Apathy is an album that shows that this band is not afraid to plow head-on into a genre that makes a lot of people cringe. They break all the rules and push the limits and get away with it.

The entire album drips with energy as lead singer Dave Curtis alternates between screams and sultry whispers seemingly inspired by Prince. “Monster” is one of the best vocal tracks, moving at a fast, ska-punk clip and boasting a catchy hook reminiscent of songs by The Matches.

“Sweetest Girl” is another standout track on the album, slowly building into a dance-pop party complete with funky beats and a chorus that wines and dines you to sing along.

“Denouement, An Intermezzo” reminds me a bit of Muse, with a raindrop piano intro and Curtis once again showing off his impressive vocal range. This song keeps it simple with only vocals and piano, but it offers an eclectic transition into the next song, a pop-punk anthem entitled “Kiss, Kiss.”

Overall, The Politics of Apathy is a defining moment in the forward motion of Vices I Admire, highlighting their strengths and bending the strings of a genre they simultaneously push to satisfy and strive to break out of. - Scene Magazine

By Dave Herrera

Remember when the term "modern rock" was popularized? Although nowadays it can be applied to just about anybody from Innerpartysystem to 30 Seconds to Mars, during the '90s it described an emerging niche format dedicated to outfits that were too heavy to be considered pop and too poppy to be considered metal — bands like Vices I Admire. Five years after releasing its debut, Plan B, Vices returns with a brand-new album and bassist Dan Battenhouse, formerly of the Fray. While Battenhouse's bass work was a bit too busy for that group, it ideally suits the sturdy, more sophisticated, guitar-driven sound that Vices has noticeably honed, resulting in nine tracks of tightly arranged rock that fans of groups like Collective Soul and Queens of the Stone Age would completely admire. - Westword

By James (JJ Rocks) Johnston

I love going to the post office and getting a CD in the mail to review. Most of the times I only (if the music is great), choose a few songs to write about because some of the CD’s have many tracks. I mainly want to focus on a bands overall sound. And the CD “The Politics of Apathy” from the band “Vices I Admire” definitely has some very tasty cuts of prime rock n’ roll and pristine pop. With Dave Curtis on vocals and guitar, Mickey Dollar on guitar and backing vocals, Mark Towne on Drums and percussion, and Daniel Battenhouse on bass and backing vocals, this band from Denver Colorado is as solid as a rock.

The song “Keep Killin’ Me” jumps right out of my speakers as the first track and grabs me by the seat of my pants with a straight ahead groove split into two different areas of intensity. This is very down to earth rock music with great character and dynamics.

Next up is “Heartbreaker” and I love this groove! This is an uncomplicated piece that carries you along a road without too many twists and turns and just lays it down tight and nasty! It’s a great car song!

“Sweetest Girl” is track three and it has a more ingredients in the arrangement than the other songs that I heard so far. To me this makes a piece of music more interesting. Also there are nice hooks not only in the musical department, but also lyrical. I would say this one is a bit more commercial and would find a nice home with pop lovers.

Track four “It Is” is the most artistic cut in the collection. It displays multi dimensional tonal properties with heartfelt emotions while breaking its own new musical ground. This song is one of my favorites!

“Kiss Kiss” is another great cut and I think that this song should be on the radio! It kicks hard and has a recipe that combines pure energy with superb composition and musicianship. It also has just the right amount of crossover quality for rock and pop followers.

There are a few more surprises on the CD that I’ll leave for your own discovery. But overall this musical package from “Vices I Admire” has a great mix of precise musicianship, very emotion and polished vocals, well written lyrics, and sonic colors from many places in the musical rainbow. Great work guys! Happy New Year! – JJ Rocks

You can listen to Vices I admire at this link: www.myspace.com/vicesiadmire - StCroixMusic.com

By Steffanie Giesler

If I saw the guys of Vices I Admire in a bar, I’d buy them a drink and ask them to tell me a story. This isn’t because these gentlemen look like drunks – approachable, experienced and intelligent are more accurate terms. These Denver boys are back after a finding a new bass player, original member of The Fray, Daniel Battenouse, and they’re ready to bring Denver, Colorado, face-melting Rock and Roll at its finest.

Vices I Admire, composed of guitarist Mickey Dollar, vocalist Dave Curtis, bassist Daniel Battenouse, and drummer Mark Towne, are no strangers to the scene. Having started in 2002 as Plan B, they have a refined idea of how the music world works. Their new CD entitled Politics of Apathy is currently available without design work or lyrics for download after the CD release show, January 1st, 2010, with the Otherside of Clearview and Glass Delerium, and donations can be taken for the entire album, graphics and all. What are the thoughts behind this? “We are all about making an investment in people hearing us,” explains drummer Towne.

The album, Politics of Apathy, was recorded at Colorado Sound Studios with J.P. Manza, and produced by Yerkish’s Ian Pinder. The full-length passionate album in itself is a strict split-down-the-middle tie between a CD I’d want to make love to, and want to make war to, and can only be described in one word: raw. The recording process took place in May and part of June. However, the writing process never seems to stop as these gentlemen already have more material in the works, some of which will be played at their CD release show. “We were more focused on quality than speed,” states Curtis - Colorado Music Buzz

Note: This article was written before the band's recent name change from "Plan B." to "Vices I Admire".

[Vices I Admire]: On April 16 I made it out to the Starlight to check out local band [Vices I Admire]. What I found was a group of crazy, intense performers. While [Vices I Admire]'s music raged -- vocals screaming, guitars churning at break-neck speed -- a healthy-sized, enthusiastic crowd formed a mosh pit on the dance floor .

Then the action started happening on stage. At first the guitarist only did a little bumper car action on the vocalist. At one point, I turned away for a second. When I returned my gaze to the stage, the bassist had his guitar off and was full-body tackling the vocalist. Talk about the right attitude. This band just likes to have fun!

By the end of the set, everyone in the band had their shirts off and there was nothing but sweat, energy and volume cranking from the stage.

Obviously a band that has succeeded in creating a core fan-base, [Vices I Admire] is recommended for raw, revved up music and edge-of-chaos intensity.

[Vices I Admire] will join Forget Today, 8OM, Synaptic Collapse and Greg Baerns May 13 at Bottoms Up, 3124 S. Parker Road, in Aurora. Cost is five bucks for the 21 and over show. Also watch for another Starlight date in the near future. - Scene Magazine

Family band
Not the Partridge Family, not the Jackson Five, but Vices I Admire keeps it in the family
GEOFF JOHNSON
Posted: 11/9/06
Mark Towne stinks after a show. He's quick to say so.

As the drummer of Vices I Admire, a Fort Collins-grown band that's been around in its current form since 2002, Towne works up a sweat.

The rest of the crew consists of Dave Curtis, 25, vocals; Mickey Dollar, 25, electric guitar; and Rob Marston, 25, bass guitar.

The members may not be related by blood, but they're as close as can be without ancestors in common.

Scouting the location of a show at Road 34 Bike Shop and Bar, 1213 W. Elizabeth St., VIA takes time to speak with the Collegian.

At first, the band is sipping on Fat Tire and 2 Below quietly. They stare - mouths open, practically drooling - at two giant amplifiers on the small stage on which they'll be playing. "That looks like a lot of noise for this little place," says Towne.

"They have nachos here," he says. "That's awesome."

Dollar jokingly explains that the band will try to climb the social ladder with the Road 34 show - "From 'crumb bum' to bum."


Happy family

"We fight more like a family than a band," says Curtis.

The band has at one point or another done everything together. They have lived together in the same house - and practiced together in the same basement - since the spring of 2003, when Towne, the youngest of the group, moved out of CSU's Durward Hall.

Towne works at the dining hall of the Durrell Center on campus, and has gotten each member of the band a job there at one point or another. "I have the ability to hire people," he said.

And they party together.

Spending so much time together, Dollar says, "We do get on each others' nerves."

"Like when Mickey punched me in the spine," Towne laughs.

Curtis adds, smiling, "These guys are really annoying."

The music

VIA is difficult to place in a genre.

How many bands incorporate whistle solos (this is exactly what it sounds like: a solo comprised of Curtis - who is quite the whistler - whistling) like VIA does in the song "Monster?"

The band's EP, "Plan B" (the title an homage to their former band name), floats between genres - with the above-mentioned "Monster" at times reminiscent of rock-rappers Linkin Park.

Curtis' voice hovers somewhere between Brandon Boyd of Incubus (before "Make Yourself"; think Boyd in the album "S.C.I.E.N.C.E.") and Kurt Cobain (from Nirvana's "MTV Unplugged In New York").

"(The music we make) is introspective and mood-inducing," Towne says.

Curtis cuts in, "Emo-"

Towne interrupts him. "Don't call it that," he says. "But we do some softer, slower stuff."

Live, though, Towne says the band is more about heating things up.

Show-goers can expect "something you can shake your ass to - music that conveys emotion."

Sipping on his micro-brew, Towne says it "will be like good (sex)."

"We'll rise it up for a little while - go fast," he says. "Then slow it down a bit - drive 'em crazy."

"My sex is really pretty fickle," Dollar adds.

History

The band began in early 2002 under the name Shade Spade Nine.

Dollar and Marston had played music together since they attended Eaglecrest High School in Aurora, a suburb of Denver, and ended up at CSU together. They put out an ad for a singer and found Curtis.

Finding a drummer wasn't as easy. "Brian," the original drummer, wasn't the best fit.

"He wanted to cover a bunch of country songs," Curtis says.

Almost serendipitously, though, Curtis found Towne in speech class in August of 2002 - in Mark's first week of college.

"I mentioned to someone (in class) that I played drums," Towne says. "He heard me, and asked me to come play."

Curtis chides, "('Brian') was a better person (than Towne), but Mark is a better drummer."

With the addition of Towne, the band became "Plan B," and the band has had basically the same membership ever since.

After their first show at the Ram's Village clubhouse in November of 2002, the band traveled extensively in Colorado, playing shows in Denver and its surrounding suburbs, Colorado Springs and mountain towns like Breckenridge.

The band also twice toured the southwest - once in the summer of 2004 and again mid-2006 - each trip featuring stops in Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The band changed its long-standing name, Plan B, in 2005 due to what Dollar describes jokingly as "fear of competition."

The group cites a slew of other bands, products and companies with the name Plan B.

"Like the (morning-after) contraceptive," Dollar says.

Practice

At a Monday night practice session in preparation for the Saturday show at Road 34, after figuring out Saturday's set list while watching "Hellraiser 2" on cable, VIA gathers in the same basement they've practiced in for nearly four years.

The basement walls are papered with band memorabilia, including old Plan B posters, new Vices I Admire posters and - Rocky Mountain Collegian

In planning for the future, Dave Curtis of the Fort Collins-based band, Vices I Admire, said the group plans to skip the usual rise-to-fame rigors of musicianship and jump right into the Made-For-VH1 "Behind the Music" style self-destruction.

"We'll just go straight to the troubles," Curtis laughs. Of course, he suggests, a death-bed recanting will prove the final touch for their "Behind the Music" episode.

All joking aside, with a new CD release and a major release show at the Starlight Theater on Saturday (not to mention a crowd of loyal fans), the highly entertaining and energetic band is poised to achieve true rock success.

Likened to everything from Pearl Jam to Korn, Vices I Admire take the stage in a musically and visually rocking way, creating a frenzied energy that inspires audiences to jump, thrash and rock along with them.

"We're Rocky McRock," laughs Curtis of the band's lively style.

The band, formerly known as Plan B., recently changed the name in order to avoid any future legal battles. "There are just a ton of other Plan B.'s out there," Curtis sighed. "Rather than having to battle them all, we chose a new name."

Even with a new moniker, however, Curtis said not much has changed in the band's sound: "We're still the same rock, just by a different name."

Formed in 2002, the band spent plenty of time rocking out audiences in the Colorado area, as well as embarked upon a weeklong tour in the summer of 2004. The event, according to their Web site, was filled with activities such as earning fans, sharing a sandwich with a homeless man and breaking the clutch on their van.

For their first official release, the band decided to hit the well-known Blasting Room, a local studio that has catered to recognized national music acts such as Rise Against, Less Than Jake and the Ataris.

"They took care of us," said Curtis of the folks at the Blasting Room. "We think we got a pretty good sound on this CD."

With songs such as "Poor Boy," "Monster" and "Skin," Curtis said he hopes listeners will both enjoy and connect to the lyrics in the songs.

"We try to get across the emotion, especially in the lyrics," Curtis said.

Graduating from CSU in December with an English degree (after spending years enjoying school and finding creative ways to spend his financial aid, he reports), Curtis's lyrics energetically speak to both his personal experiences as well as more universal situations likely shared by many fellow college-aged students.

"For me, personally, as a singer these songs mean something to me. There's a lot of life in the lyrics - a lot of me in there," Curtis notes.

The band kicks off their release party at the Starlight on Saturday playing with local band Until We Wake and Denver favorites Synaptic Collapse.

"It's great music and really complementary to us," said Curtis of the band's joining Vices I Admire on the stage.

Anyone interested in rocking, or perhaps catching a stellar local band before their hoped-for crash-burn-and-repent cycle to be seen on "Behind the Music" in the future, should join the band for a rocking and energetic good time at the Starlight on Saturday. - The Rocky Mountain Collegian