By Anthony Mclaude, Rock At Night Philadelphia
Review: Casual Vice’s EP Joie de ViVre-Release date February 12, 2021
And for a moment of inexplicable joy and coastal sunshine, I believe brighter days in music are coming alive again. Cruising through the wealthy, sun-drenched village escapade of a Spanish style neighborhood in Orange County, California, are two enigmatic indie-rock darlings known as Casual Vice.
The click-clack of an old virtual typewriter resonates as certain alphabetical keys print the credited names of Kyle Krone and Brandon Hoogenboom, both of whom are no slouch when it comes to their respective resumes in the music industry. Krone founded as a frontman the beloved rock band the Shys, which was signed to legendary record man Seymour Stein’s Sire label that recruited one of its biggest acts, Madonna. Meanwhile, Hoogenboom, an American coming around again from Sydney, Australia fronted the independent pop band Set Sail.
The prolific duo prepares to set an example during a widespread panic of pandemics, racial turmoil, and financial hardships with their second EP, “Joie De Vivre.” The classic phrase joie de vivre “expresses a sentiment and vibe,” says Krone. However, amidst all the controversy and uncertainty going on globally, they have come together as the ultimate party hosts to bring light in creating a new musical venture to explore the juxtaposed dualities of life and love.
Released in anticipation of their third 2021 EP, Joie De Vivre, “Antihero” is a musical nostalgic story you might hear in a vintage, black and white coming of age film as the protagonists share a scroll through historical figures whose weaknesses were glorified alongside their strengths such as Johnny Cash, Marvin Gaye, Nina Simone, Basquiat, Muhammad Ali, and John F. Kennedy in Polaroid fashion. Now in conjunction to this melodious pop/rock record with a catchy chorus, listening ears and helping hands to this familiar jam of yesteryear will have fans putting their fingers on the pulse of what brings to mind an ‘80s new wave banger. And like the lyrics Casual Vice collaborates on, “I always romanticize the antihero,” remember to give those who came and left a legacy before you their flowers while they can still smile and appreciate the smell.
SPOTIFY
Growing up as a child in a Christian household raised by a single mother and grandmother during the 1990s was such an awe-inspiring adventure. In his Elementary School days, he took a feeling of attraction towards rock ‘n’ roll music as he heard "Beast of Burden" by The Rolling Stones, and "Don’t Let Me Down" by The Beatles playing from his uncle’s 1970 Chevy Malibu garage. Records by Madonna, Alanis Morissette, the Fugees, and Lil Suzy were also being played throughout the house by his mother, dressed in a black leather biker jacket and who would occasionally put the radio on blast.
In 7th grade back in 2002/2003 school year, Mclaude had written the number-one narrative story amongst the class and caught the attention of his then teacher, Mrs. DeFeo as she called him upfront and said “Anthony, your story on ‘The Volcano King’ is incredible. You should be a writer.” Ever since that day, Mclaude in his rebel without a cause era has always kept those words in mind as a way to keep pushing himself past the limits. As fifteen years past, he enrolled himself in Cumberland County College studying journalism and wrote for the university’s Award-Winning Newspaper, The Voice as he grew as a creative and tenacious reporter with a nose for news, and a passion for community journalism. In spite of the blessings outshining the hard times, he received the opportunity to be a staff writer for a local news outlet, The People’s Press of Millville, where he has written five articles, two press releases, page growth, and has received encouraging feedback from the community.
Today he is currently working for the magazines of Eclectic Shades and Rock at Night.
- Revisiting ANTIBOY’s Posthumous ‘Insanity’ - February 9, 2022
- M.A.G.S. Sparks a Drag and Bangs Out on ‘Say Things That Matter’ - December 27, 2021
- Wild the Coyote Takes the Road Less Traveled on ‘Silver Round Bullet’ - October 21, 2021
