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Luke Waller discovers how the County Durham band fuse difficult subject matter with vibrant moods on their latest EP
From start to finish, you can hear the heritage which fostered Vice Killer’s upcoming EP. Keep On Fighting On is steeped in the legacy of County Durham’s striking miners – a history which continues to stir painful memories and still affect the lives of many today. But it is also a history which is testament to the resilient power of community spirit. These two sides shine through on Vice Killer’s first-class sophomore release: bright, optimistic and vibrant moods act in tandem with – not in spite of – often bitter subject matters.
“Bands like The Clash and Redskins have had a massive influence,” says singer, rhythm guitarist and songwriter Thomas Low Gilling. “Their songs were often written with very strong subjects such as war, poverty and racism – but musically are very upbeat.” This artistic influence is clearest on title track Keep On Fighting On and leading single Marlene’s In Trouble. Whilst the former, in all its jangly exuberance, explicitly concerns headstrong opposition to Thatcher’s government – especially in and around the band’s native Peterlee – Marlene’s In Trouble relates the tale of a girl struggling with addiction. “I always people watch and wonder what is going on in someone’s life,” says Thomas. “But you never know what people are going through – this song was lyrically about that. Again, it’s quite upbeat, and bands like The Velvet Underground would tackle similar topics, but their songs wouldn’t give that away musically.”
I always people watch and wonder what is going on in someone’s life. But you never know what people are going through
A fantastic display of Thomas’ charismatic voice, Marlene’s In Trouble adopts a classic feel, featuring sprightly solos by guitarist James Langan – almost conceivably the work of George Harrison reincarnate. Alongside the song is a music video with an appropriately vintage air, shot at a local show and around Tynemouth. However, accompanying second single The Dark Side Of The Railway (Sunny), is a more involved video. From chip shops to Doc Marten dancing, it’s a jubilant companion to the tale of a railway worker visiting his girlfriend every night. “I wanted to recreate a couple making their way to a Northern Soul night, and it was shot at the Easington Welfare Hall, which is the hub for our area.”
Exemplified by the EP’s heavier closing track, crowd favourite Naples Street, Vice Killer maintain an exceptional standard of performance. “We are a better live band now from when we recorded the first EP; we used to record using a click track which would lose the energy of the song,” says Thomas. “Our recording process is all live now, and then we’d add guitar tracks over the top. So, there are some subtle mistakes on the EP, but I think it has so much more character and I hope it resonates with the listener.”
Since their formation three years ago between former schoolmates Thomas and James – alongside James’ brother Jack (bass) and Lewis Muir (drums) – their first shows and debut EP Alone, In This World in the summer of 2021, Vice Killer have steadily worked towards where they are now. Keep On Fighting On is a formidable successor – and there is more on the way. “We recorded our debut album last year, and then the EP was a last-minute recording session in the December… The album is the same direction with similar messages and stays with a certain concept throughout. We can’t wait to finally release it.”
