Melodic, noisy, and bold, Michael Vickers ‘Demons’ is a fantastic bit of fun! Michael Vickers and The Bad Thing excelled in crafting a terrific indie pop cut that cuts right through with rich and hairy guitars, memorable melodies and words, and tightly crafted parts.
Based in rowdy and charming Leicester, Michael Vickers and The Bad Thing describe themselves as a genre-fluid band. Their sound on their latest single ‘Demons’ brushes past the garage, noise, and lo-fi rock realms. Their first release as a 4-piece outfit, ‘Demons’ is put together by Vicker’s imaginative lyrics and scruffy overdriven guitar, Dave Dhonau’s bass, Tommy Wilkinson-Baugh’s drums, and new member Adam Krzeczkowski’s lead guitar hooks. Old friend and new member Krzeczkowski’s guitars add depth and a new dimension to the song’s parts with his wailing, distorted licks buried properly in the mix as to not overpower the rest of the arrangement, which in itself is a mature nod to the band’s musicianship.
‘Demons’ feature dramatic melodic ideas that are emotionally charged and only kept from making the cut a tearjerker through the lighthearted mix, jangly guitars, and bustling arrangement that genuinely make the song edgy, bold, and fun. With unforgettable group aahs and classically-tinged chord movements right alongside the lo-fi guitars, ‘Demons’ bridges gaps between classical music and garage rock that I did not know existed.
Recorded at 2Fly studios in Sheffield by audio engineer Alan Smythe of Arctic Monkeys fame, ‘Demons’ sounds properly gorgeous and full. With its fake start and operatic structure, Michael Vickers and The Bad Thing have captured lightning in a bottle with this captivating release.
