Vice Re-Verses - Switchfoot

Album Review: Vice Re-Verses by Switchfoot

Release Date: September 26, 2011
Genre: Alternative/Electronic Remix
Length: 7 Songs, 29 Minutes

1. Album Overview

Vice Re-Verses is an experimental remix album that reimagines key tracks from Switchfoot’s Vice Verses album, offering fresh perspectives on some of the band’s most dynamic songs. Collaborating with artists and producers like Adam Young of Owl City, Photek, and Darren King, the band embraces electronic and alternative remix styles, transforming their introspective rock anthems into atmospheric and beat-driven soundscapes. While it departs from Switchfoot’s usual rock aesthetic, this project highlights their willingness to push creative boundaries.

Score: 84/100 (Innovative and Experimental)

2. Technical Mastery

The remixes on Vice Re-Verses are technically impressive, with layered production and inventive reinterpretations. "Blinding Light (Adam Young of Owl City Remix)" blends Switchfoot’s emotional core with Young’s signature synth-heavy style, creating a shimmering and ethereal experience. "Selling the News (Photek Remix)" transforms the biting social critique of the original into a minimalist, rhythm-heavy track that amplifies its intensity. The album’s diverse production styles showcase a high level of technical skill, even if some remixes feel a bit distant from the originals’ emotional weight.

Score: 85/100 (Inventive and Polished)

3. Artistic Depth

While remix albums often sacrifice lyrical depth for production experimentation, Vice Re-Verses retains much of the original album’s reflective themes. Tracks like "The War Inside (DnJ Remix)" and "Afterlife (Neon Feather Remix)" keep the urgency and existential questioning intact, albeit through different sonic lenses. However, the shift to electronic and experimental production occasionally overshadows the emotional resonance of the lyrics, making the remixes feel more like standalone art pieces than extensions of the originals.

Score: 80/100 (Creative but Slightly Detached)

4. Audience Appeal

This album will appeal most to fans of electronic music and those who enjoy hearing familiar songs transformed in unexpected ways. While longtime Switchfoot fans might miss the raw emotion of the original tracks, Vice Re-Verses is a fascinating exploration of how their music translates into entirely different genres. It’s a niche offering but a rewarding listen for those open to experimental interpretations.

Score: 82/100 (Niche but Intriguing)

5. Standout Moments

• "Blinding Light (Adam Young of Owl City Remix)": A dreamy and uplifting reimagining that stands out for its atmospheric beauty.

• "Selling the News (Photek Remix)": A sharp, rhythm-focused remix that amplifies the track’s critique of media culture.

• "The Original (JT Daly of Paper Route Remix)": A vibrant and energetic remix that reimagines the track with fresh intensity.

• "Afterlife (Neon Feather Remix)": A pulsing and hopeful closer that retains the emotional power of the original.

6. Final Verdict

Vice Re-Verses is a bold and experimental project that pushes the boundaries of Switchfoot’s music. While not every track lands with the same emotional weight as the originals, the album’s creativity and technical prowess make it a compelling listen. It’s a unique addition to Switchfoot’s catalog, showcasing their versatility and willingness to embrace new styles.

Overall Score: 84/100 (Bold and Experimental)

Recommended Tracks: Blinding Light (Adam Young of Owl City Remix), Selling the News (Photek Remix), Afterlife (Neon Feather Remix).