The Vices Return with Deluxe Edition of ‘Before It Might Be Gone’, Blending Raw Energy and Reflection
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
DUTCH INDIE ROCKERS THE VICES ARE GEARING UP FOR A NEW CHAPTER with the deluxe release of Before It Might Be Gone, out now. Known for their infectious blend of britpop swagger and surf-rock charm, the four-piece - Simon Bleeker, Mathew Louwsma, Jonathan Kruizenga, and Floris van Luijtelaar - have carved out a distinct sound that’s as playful as it is introspective.
Produced by Charlie Andrew (Alt-J), the deluxe edition expands on the original album’s bold spirit, featuring fresh material, alternate versions, live recordings, and a searing cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” Following a whirlwind year that included a 26-date U.S. tour, festival appearances across Europe, and critical acclaim for their electrifying live performances, Before It Might Be Gone (Deluxe) finds The Vices at their most adventurous yet, blurring genre lines while staying rooted in the raw emotion and spontaneity that define their sound.
LUNA: Before It Might Be Gone is getting the deluxe treatment on October 8. What inspired you to revisit and expand the album for this edition?
THE VICES: We had new music we didn’t want to sit on any longer because we’re so hyped about it and wanted it out. Beyond that, we thought it would be fun to get creative with some songs that were already on the record. So, we made alternate versions that are very different from the originals, haha. Influences like Ali Farka Touré, Gorillaz, Frusciante’s Niandra Lades album, and more came up while making these versions. Our very own Jonathan produced them. There was also a hidden track on the original record that we wanted everyone to hear, so we included that too. And since we just love playing live, we decided to add that to the deluxe as well.
LUNA: The record already made a big impact when it first came out. What new elements or bonus material are you most excited for fans to hear on this deluxe version?
THE VICES: There’s a new song on the deluxe called “I Know,” and we’re especially hyped about that one. It brings a sound that’s new in the Vices world. We’re also excited for the live stuff, the alternate versions, and “Piano Song.” “Piano Song” tells a cool story about growing up with music and having a philosophical, wondering mind.
LUNA: You’ve included a cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” — a bold choice! How did that song make its way into your world, and what was it like putting your own spin on such an iconic track?
THE VICES: We grew up with Sabbath — especially Simon and I. I remember listening to Sabbath Bloody Sabbath all day long on an iPod. A couple months ago, we started playing “War Pigs” live because, sadly, it felt very relevant (in this world, it’s probably always relevant). The song, of course, is a big anti-war statement. We felt such strong emotions playing it live that we decided to put it on the record. At the time, we didn’t even realize Ozzy was about to play his final show. And then, sadly, he passed away. He brought so much joy, power, and ideas into our world, and putting the song on our little record is our homage to him.
LUNA: Working with Charlie Andrew (Alt-J) is a huge milestone. How did his production style influence the sound and direction of this project?
THE VICES: Charlie brought more spontaneity and feeling to the record. The things that make us good live are what he managed to capture on the record too. I can be a perfectionist—before, we’d record a guitar and then try a bunch of other sounds to see if it was the best. With Charlie, we’d record something, and if it sounded good, he’d say, “Okay, sick, let’s continue.” He created an atmosphere where we could really feel the music without focusing too much on the fact that we were being recorded. And, of course, he made everything sound incredible too, haha — he’s just that good.
LUNA: Your music often gets compared to bands like The Strokes and Cage the Elephant, but there’s clearly a unique identity. How do you balance your influences with carving out something fresh?
THE VICES: I think music often builds on what came before. You don’t want to do something that’s already been done in the exact same way, but you take pieces from it and add a piece of yourself. Honestly, if you look at what we’re doing, a lot of it is inspired by artists we love. We’re just critical about what truly adds something and what doesn’t—the latter we throw away. Luckily, we all love very different kinds of music too—from Mac Miller to techno (I couldn’t name a single techno artist myself, haha), and from Rory Gallagher to the Velvet Underground. Endless possibilitiesssss.
LUNA: Live shows seem central to The Vices’ energy and identity. How does the live experience feed back into your songwriting and recording process?
THE VICES: Live, anything can happen. Improvisation is a big part of our shows—you’re playing something, and then suddenly Simon takes off in a completely different direction with his bass line. You need to listen and explore together where it’s going to go. That’s part of the magic of live for us. That same energy was present while writing and recording this album too. People bring in ideas, we don’t say no, we try it, and we explore where it goes. It was a lot of fun and ended up meaning a lot to us.
LUNA: You’ve toured with Nothing But Thieves, sold out your own dates, and even tackled a 26-date U.S. run. What’s been the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourselves as a band while on the road?
THE VICES: I always thought sleep was a waste of time, touring made us love it.
You will start hating fast food after about 2 weeks.
Even people in a gas station in the middle of nowhere in the US can know the music of a little Dutch band (thank you modern world technologies!)
LUNA: Looking back on your debut Looking For Faces and now to this deluxe album, how do you feel you’ve grown as musicians and as a band?
THE VICES: We’ve changed as people, and the music has changed along with us. I feel like we’re reaching a really interesting place now — a place where we can put our egos aside and focus on making the best music together. Lately, I’ve been surprised by the ideas of the others, and it’s been great. “I Know” on the deluxe record feels like just the start of where we’re headed.
LUNA: Beyond this release, what’s next for The Vices?
THE VICES: More music, more touring. Probably more shit, but mostly a lot of fun. We’ll be back in the US soon!
