What We’ve Been Listening To: Vilify

Vilify is a bunch of friends – Amy on vocals, Deni on guitar, Lizi on bass and Kieran on drums – that met through music, making music. The name is a bit of a nod to some insecurities the band felt about previous projects when they first started. In fact, the band felt trapped in their old identities and wanted to take control of that by ‘vilifying’ themselves from the get-go.

Hailing from the coastal city of Newcastle in Australia, Vilify is a rising force in the alternative-metal scene. Following the success of their widely-praised single ‘Odyssey‘, the four-piece band has returned with a new unyielding cut titled ‘Take The Pill‘.

From the outset, ‘Take The Pill’ hits hard with its gradual crescendo of menacing guitars, setting the stage for lead vocalist Amy to unleash her powerful and inexorable vocals. Her commanding voice pilots a cacophony of distorted instrumentation, unifying coercion and prowess throughout the song.

At the core of ‘Take The Pill’ lies a colossal hook that elevates the song to new heights. The hook is further heightened by a thunderous breakdown that cascades towards an abrupt finale. It’s a display of Vilify’s musicianship, highlighting their ability to balance aggression and melody seamlessly.

But it’s not just the music that stands out. Vilify’s lyrics are equally captivating, with ‘Take The Pill’ exploring the battle of balance between SSRIs, depression, and drive. The song speaks to the importance of accepting different points in life that call for different plans of attack. What worked in the past might not work in the future, but always striving to be better is what’s important, even if it feels unattainable at times.

To bring their message to life, Vilify created a provocative accompanying video. Shot in a warehouse, the video features tracked close-up shots and quick cuts that encapsulate the song’s unremitting vitality. According to the band, “There is no concept except showing people that we can dance like queens while we play the heavies.”

Vilify’s new single ‘Take The Pill’ is a testament to the band’s growing reputation in the alternative-metal scene. With their unique blend of aggression and melody, coupled with poignant lyrics, Vilify is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. If ‘Take The Pill’ is any indication of what’s to come, then the future looks bright for this Newcastle-based band.

To coincide with the release of the band’s latest single and music video, Vilify took the time out of their day to answer a couple of questions for Eat This Music.

What artists or bands are on your must-listen to list lately and why?

My trusty Spotify “On Repeat” playlist has informed me that Sleep Token is a must. They are just an experience. Feeling Angry? Sleep Token. Feeling Sad? Sleep Token. Feeling Sexy? Sleep Token.

Which guilty pleasure songs are reluctant to admit to listening to?

I don’t really believe in guilty pleasures, but I do get bullied a lot for loving the pop-punk era of MGK.

Which song of someone else’s (artist or band) would you have liked to feature on and why?

I could have ripped a mean breakdown vocal part on Cabin Fever by Stand Atlantic! I just love them and that’s the only reason.

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1207344871

Which song, or songs, of yours would you recommend to a first-time listener and why?

Our newest single ‘Take The Pill’ is a must. It has the most juxtaposition between the headbanging rock and roll we love and just straight up brutality. If that’s not to your taste then ‘Odyssey’, the song has some of the most personal meaning to me and I think has a good representation of the emotion we try to convey through Vilify.

https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/1433161708

What led you into using music as your creative outlet and keeps you making music?

My mum and Grandma totally embraced my desire to start. I was in school bands and they both kept me honest with my practice and I am very thankful for that. What keeps me making music though? It is the need to express myself. There are millions of ways to express yourself but screaming into a microphone with my best friends by my side is by far the winner.