Words by: Sarah Aurora

Indie rock fans will fall in love with Casual Vice’s new single “Antihero.” Kyle Krone, former frontman of The Shys, and Brandon Hoogenboom of the band Set Sail are the powerhouses behind this monumental project. The duo of former frontmen have come together to create a new musical venture to explore the dualities of life and love. Released in anticipation of their 2021 EP, Casual Vice’s “Antihero” is a story of restlessness and risk that will have listeners hitting the repeat button.

“Antihero” centers around the concept that we’re made up of both our strengths and weaknesses. Lyrically powerful with an infectious melody, this track is beautifully ironic. Similar to the feel of “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People with less of a sinister message, “Antihero” combines a bright, upbeat instrumental with melancholy lyrics. The finishing lyric is perhaps the most powerful of all; “and I always romanticize the antihero.” Both Krone and Hoogenboom lend their vocal skills to the track and the combination is incredibly well-balanced. With a vocal quality similar to that of John Lennon, their voices lend very well to the indie-rock genre.

The release of the single is accompanied by a lyric video — where the lyrics are typed out on the screen in the style of a typewriter, surrounded by images of famous, historic anti-heroes. Familiar faces include former President John F. Kennedy, Mr. Rogers, and Bob Marley — figures who were unafraid to show both their strengths and weaknesses. The vintage, black and white tinted video lends very well to the nostalgia of the song — one you might hear in a coming-of-age film as the protagonist flips through old polaroids. 

Casual Vice has outdone themselves with “Antihero.” If this track is any indication of what products their EP will house, it’s sure to be an indie masterpiece. For fans of Vampire Weekend or MGMT, Casual Vice should be next up on your list. 

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