The Vices: The Dutch Garage Rock Revivalists

The Vices are a dynamic indie rock band from Groningen, Netherlands, known for their raw, energetic sound that channels the spirit of classic garage rock. Their 2021 debut album, Looking for Faces, propelled them to the forefront of the Dutch alternative scene, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase across Europe.

Early career

Formed in 2018, The Vices coalesced around the songwriting core of vocalist/guitarist Floris van Luijtelaar and drummer Sander van der Meer. The band quickly honed their explosive live show in the local Groningen circuit, building a reputation for passionate performances. Their early, self-released singles like "Lovesick" and "Blue" in 2019 captured a raw, immediate energy that laid the groundwork for their signature style.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2021 with the release of their debut full-length album, Looking for Faces, on the independent label V2 Records Benelux. The album was a critical and commercial success in their home country, debuting strongly on Dutch charts and receiving widespread national radio play. Its success established The Vices as one of the most exciting new guitar acts emerging from the Netherlands.

Key tracks

Looking for Faces — The album's driving title track showcases their knack for anthemic choruses and jangling, reverb-drenched guitars.

Blue — This early single became a live staple, perfectly encapsulating their blend of melancholic melody and garage rock fervor.

Lovesick — A frantic and catchy debut statement that introduced their raw, lo-fi inspired sound to a wider audience.

Alright — This track highlights the band's ability to craft dynamic, emotionally resonant song structures with a powerful vocal delivery.

The momentum from their debut led to extensive touring and festival appearances throughout Europe. The Vices solidified their studio craft with the 2023 EP Neon, which presented a slightly more polished but equally fervent iteration of their rock sound.

Fans of The Vices often appreciate the work of similar Dutch rock acts. De Staat shares a similar experimental edge and commanding stage presence. Personal Trainer operates in a comparable space of energetic, art-inflected indie rock. The gritty, melodic songwriting of Pip Blom also resonates with their aesthetic. For the raw garage rock intensity, John Coast is a key reference point in the contemporary Dutch scene.

The music of The Vices has become a fixture on modern rock and alternative radio stations featured on this website. Their tracks are regularly spun on independent music radio stations and online rock radio streams that champion guitar-driven new music, fitting seamlessly between classic indie and contemporary alternative playlists.

Listeners can discover the potent garage rock of The Vices on radio stations available on onairium.com, where their catalog is featured across stations dedicated to alternative rock and emerging indie talent from Europe and beyond.