“VICE AND VIRTUE” EP BY DIRTY MONEY: AN ADRENALINE-FUELED JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE’S TURBULENCES
4 min read
Many a times we don’t know how much music impacts our lives, we go like oh this is just music, well to some music yes and to others no. But all that depends on the artist, their ability to create something that is unique, inspiring and soul-piercing, and able to resonates with listeners. See I’ve got this EP here from Dirty Money, a rock quartet that consist of Spud Hudson (Vocals), Mark Walker (Lead Guitar), Ross Hutton (Bass Guitar), and Luis Silver (Drums), who launched themselves onto the scene in February 2022. And has since been killing it and making massive waves. What’s beautiful is this band was created out of the ashes of their previous band, Chemical Pulse, then the quartet united with the common goal of creating original, high-energy rock songs. So you should know you’re in for a great treat, they titled this one “Vice and Virtue”.
Now let’s dive a bit into the band. Well Hudson, Walker, and Hutton, the founding trio, started a journey to recruit a drummer, which in the end led them to the unique approach of convincing local drummers to join instead of selling their drums. This beautiful strategy led them to Portuguese import Luis Silver, who edged out the others to complete the lineup. And since then, Dirty Money has been a relentless force, creating music that are unique, yet enjoyable, raw and energy driven, yet emotional and man, you can’t just do a single play on their current EP. After first listen, it’s just repeat thereafter, with inspiration from rock, metal, punk, and various other genres.
What Dirty Money does that amazes me, is how they channel the spirit of Guns N Roses, Black Stone Cherry, The Stooges, and MC5. Dirty Money has already gained national radio coverage for their first single, “If.” Man this song, is something you should check out, the amount of creativity in there is crazy and wholesome, see just go check it out too. Now their latest EP, “Vice and Virtue,” is an absolute banger of an EP. The EP was recorded at Embassy Studios in Basingstoke. Now this is an EP that carries this vibe that rock should always be about fun, a sentiment deeply embedded in Dirty Money’s energetic performances. Now each song on this EP is a reflection of life observations, loosely following the story of a man through his turbulent yet often enjoyable life. “I’m not about to play a freeform jazz exploration in front of a funeral crowd.” – Ross Hutton (Bass).
Setting the tone for the EP is the beautiful track, “Play the Win”. This is a song that has this dynamic blend of gritty rock and pulsating energy. The song kick-starts with this energetic guitar riffs which blends in soo well with the drums, just when you think you’ve heard enough then the vocals sweeps you away, and keeps you entertained. This song talks about the struggles one faces fighting their inner demons and how one wants to achieve victory in every possible way. What’s beautiful about this track is those unconventional elements, which gives the song a fresh, contemporary edge.
Another track on the EP that keeps listeners entertained and glued is “Running from the Night”. This song has this beautiful beats with those drums, it sounds famous but unique and hard. My goodness, the way the vocals flows with the crazy drums and guitar riffs is wholesome. The song talks about the struggles and how fragile life can be. The lyircs lay emphasis on how we should be alert always, cos we never know what will happen in the next moment. The song asks listeners to be on their guard for whatever is to come, be prepared so you don’t get outrun by the disasters. What drives this song is the intense drumming and powerful vocals. I love every bit of this four track EP. No song is skipable, as soon as you hit play, you’re set and ready to go hard forever haha.
Bringing the EP to a climax is this enchanting track, “Ego”. This track is very explosive and beautiful. I love the way the track starts with those drums, then the guitars kicks in, and just when you think you’re going in with the flow, the track switches up with this up beat that captures your attention and gets you hooked. The song talks about the complexities of pride and ego. The lyrics lay emphasis on the consequences of clinging to one’s ego. This is something that affects most of us, sometimes you just have to let go, sometimes you just have to push harder for that girl, but then our ego kicks in and won’t let us. The raw energy and catchy hooks makes this track a beautiful one to end the EP in style.
Dirty Money’s “Vice and Virtue” EP is a testament to their commitment to delivering a unique and high-octane rock experience. With explosive sound, unforgettable hooks, and a genre-blending approach, the EP invites listeners to join the Dirty Money vibe and experience the adrenaline-fueled journey of their music. So why don’t you go ahead and give this EP a maad listen and enjoy some adrenaline in your veins.ENJOY!! Make sure to check them out on the links below for more;
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