Vicious Vicious
Vicious Vicious | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Genres | Indie pop, soul, R&B, electro-rock |
| Years active | 2002–present |
| Labels | Twentyseven, The Redemption Recording Company, Plexippus |
| Spinoffs | The Hopefuls, Tapes 'n Tapes |
| Website | viciousvicious.com |
Vicious Vicious is an American indie pop and electro-rock musical band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, led by musician and producer Erik Appelwick.[1][2] The band is known for a sound that blends synth-pop, soul, and R&B influences with falsetto vocals.[3][4] Since its inception in 2002, Vicious Vicious has released seven full-length studio albums.[5][6]
Formation and early years (2002–2004)
Erik Appelwick founded Vicious Vicious as a solo project in 2002 after moving to Minneapolis from South Dakota.[7] Prior to this, Appelwick had performed as a guitarist and bassist in local acts including Kid Dakota, Camaro, and Alva Star.[7] The project's debut album, Blood and Clover, was recorded largely on a four-track recorder and released independently in 2002 before being picked up by Twentyseven Records in 2003.[7][1] The debut earned a nomination for Best Rock Album at the Minnesota Music Awards.[8] During early live performances, the project featured a rotating lineup that included drummer Martin Dosh, keyboardist Alex Oana, and musician Darren Jackson.[7][1]
Awards and Tapes 'n Tapes (2005–2011)
In 2005, Vicious Vicious released the album Don't Look So Surprised via The Redemption Recording Company and Plexippus Records.[9] Appelwick wrote and recorded the material while living in a rehearsal space, focusing on a more upbeat sound compared to his previous work.[9] The album won the Minnesota Music Award for "Locally Released Recording" in September 2005.[10] One of the tracks, "Here Come Tha Police," was later highlighted by The Atlantic as a "Track of the Day" in 2015.[11]
In early 2006, Appelwick joined the band Tapes 'n Tapes as their bassist, shortly before that group achieved international success and signed with XL Recordings.[12] Despite a heavy touring schedule with Tapes 'n Tapes, Appelwick released the third Vicious Vicious album, Parade, in 2007.[12] Parade was listed among the "Top CDs of 2007" by the Minnesota Public Radio station The Current and featured collaborations with drummer Adrian Suarez and bassist Heath Henjum.[13][4]
Hiatus and later releases (2012–present)
After a five-year gap between recordings, a self-titled fourth album was released in 2012.[14] This album featured a more serious and "earnest" tone, moving away from the "tongue-in-cheek" style of earlier records.[2] The recording sessions included drummer Martin Dosh and bassist James Buckley.[15]
Following a period of relative inactivity, the project returned with the album Gravity in 2020, followed by Paradise in 2022.[5] In February 2025, Vicious Vicious released its seventh studio album, titled I Think We've Got a Situation.[6] Appelwick described the newer material as being influenced by contemporary psychedelic pop artists like Tame Impala while maintaining the project's signature focus on danceable rhythms and soul-inflected bass lines.[6]
Musical style
The music of Vicious Vicious has been described by critics as "skating rink soul" and "feel-good music" that incorporates elements of funk, psychedelia, and lo-fi electronic production.[3][16] Appelwick frequently utilizes falsetto vocals and hip-hop-influenced beats, a style he initially conceived as mixing contemporary rhythms with "roller-skating music."[7][4] Reviewers have noted a tension in the music between "primal pop urges" and "shadowy atmospherics."[15]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Minnesota Music Awards | Best Rock Album | Blood and Clover | Nominated | [8] |
| 2005 | Minnesota Music Awards | Locally Released Recording | Don't Look So Surprised | Won | [10] |
Discography
- Blood and Clover (2002)
- Don't Look So Surprised (2005)
- Parade (2007)
- Vicious Vicious (2012)
- Gravity (2020)
- Paradise (2022)
- I Think We've Got a Situation (2025)
References
- ^ a b c "Vicious Vicious Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ a b Van Alstyne, Rob (February 8, 2012). "Vicious Vicious bringing sincere sexy back". City Pages.
- ^ a b Thomas, Lyndsey (September 12, 2002). "Skating rink soul from Erik Appelwick". The Minnesota Daily.
- ^ a b c Askari, Sarah (September 26, 2007). "Vicious Vicious: Parade". City Pages.
- ^ a b "Vicious Vicious Discography". Discogs. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Vicious Vicious is Actually Pretty Chill". KTSW 89.9. March 17, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e Hill, Marcie (August 21, 2002). "Tears of a Clown: Pop jester Vicious Vicious shows his sensitive side". City Pages.
- ^ a b "Performer: Vicious Vicious". First Avenue. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ a b Riemenschneider, Chris (June 17, 2005). "Down for the upbeat: Two years ago, things looked blech for Erik Appelwick". Minnesota Star Tribune.
- ^ a b Riemenschneider, Chris (September 22, 2005). "Minnesota Music Awards high on Low". Minnesota Star Tribune.
- ^ "Track of the Day: 'Here Come Tha Police'". The Atlantic. September 16, 2015.
- ^ a b Riemenschneider, Chris (September 6, 2007). "A Vicious Vicious circle". Minnesota Star Tribune.
- ^ "Top CDs of 2007 From The Current". NPR. December 3, 2007.
- ^ Swensson, Andrea (February 6, 2012). "Erik Appelwick opens up on new Vicious Vicious album". The Current.
- ^ a b Van Alstyne, Rob (April 4, 2012). "Vicious Vicious". City Pages.
- ^ Sosa, Rick (February 25, 2008). "Artist of the Week: Vicious Vicious". Indie Rock Cafe.