Vile Bodies

The Vile Bodies - Permanent Dive (Ottawa)

Taking Ottawa from more than just a punk-haven or by-product of its nearby scenes, The Vile Bodies offer lo-fi folk rock that says more. "Heaven" starts the record on a raw but emotionally full track that is brimming with energy and passion, all while incessantly catchy. Speeding up even more on "Getting The Band Back Together" they dirty up the guitars, blending it all together with a hissy sheen, and the smooth flow that connects it all makes for a track that's all to fun to dance to. Hitting a funky little groove, "Wharf Rat" has a delightful mix of underlying tones and its sunny horns make all the difference here. "Run Until The Porchlight's Gone" has a wonderful rush and sense of a party through the constant thump of drums and the screaming vocals. - Ottawa Life Magazine

Vile Bodies
Permanent Dive
(released Aug. 10, 2017)

There’s just something in the lo-fi luster of The Vile Bodies’ sound that makes it all feel so much richer with-out resolution. The band’s seamless ability to weave pop and brutal emotion into each track with crisp precision makes this record such a joy to listen to. This talent really shines through on something like “Heaven” where they cut in with so much pain and earnest lyricism, while never being without a handful of memorable melodies at any moment. Their constant abil-ity to turn their lack of fidel-ity into a tool makes songs like “Getting The Band Back Together” all the more angry and doesn’t prevent some-thing like “Wharf Rat” from making its brass pop either. - Ottawa Beat

The so-called Vile Bodies are anything but, with their vocals harmonizing in unexpectedly melodic ways. - Ride The Tempo

As July kicked off I headed over to House of Targ for a quadruple helping of rock'n'roll. Locals Nightshades and sort-of Locals Vile Bodies were joined by Toronto crew Mad Ones and Quebec combo Rebelle. I'd seen the other three bands on the bill before, but the Vile Bodies were new to me. I was mighty impressed by their high energy stage antics and their lo-fi Memphis rock sound. They'll be at Pressed with Fuzzy Undertones and Possum Sept. 1. - National Capital Rock

The Vile Bodies is a lo-fi rock and roll revival act with its roots in Belleville’s Downtown. I met with band members Rory Kyte, Elliott Gould, Mike Faires, Chandler Betteridge, and Dylan Hendrick during a band practice to discuss what the region has meant to them.

M: You’ve all left the area at one point or another and ended up coming back. What is it that’s brought you back to the Bay of Quinte Region?

VB: Dylan started living here and we all just sort of converged on this house. We started playing together and hanging out at Vic’s place and eventually playing there. They treat us nice.

M: How different is it playing shows in Belleville compared to other places you’ve played?

VB: There’s a lot more love here. People feel freer to cut loose I think and enjoy themselves. There’s also less music in Belleville currently so when there is an event a lot more people show up and more people are happy to see live music because it’s not happening every weekend like it is in Ottawa or Toronto or Montreal.

M: Do you think there’s a distinct sound that comes from the Bay of Quinte?

VB: Belleville’s bred a lot of cool bands, it’s kind of interesting because it seems to be all over the place. I don’t think you can say there’s one specific sound or at least not anymore. It’s definitely evolved since we played in high school.

M: Growing up here, did you find it difficult to find shows to play or venues to play in?

VB: There were more shows when we were in high school than there are now. We used to play shows every other weekend and we had a few good spots but now they’re all shut down. We played Trenton once and would love to play the county, we just haven’t had the opportunity yet. We’re trying to turn Vic’s into a new spot, do a few shows a year and get other bands involved. We’re actually doing another free show there September 2nd, hopefully.

M: Is it safe to say Vic’s Place is your favourite venue to play here then?

VB: Oh yeah. It’s great because of the atmosphere and the turn out; it’s always friends around. We get sort of a long leash, we had a fog machine at our last show and filled the place with confetti. Places in Ottawa are a lot more strict on what you can and cannot do.

M: What’s next for you guys? What are your plans after Rockfest?

VB: Hopefully a small 3-day tour in September. We’re finishing an album up, coming out August 10th. We’re hoping this opens more doors to play more shows. - Bay of Quinte Living