$7.99 Digital Download
Copyright (2011) Sodalite Records 005
"LICKER" LP was recorded and produced through 2011 by Gordon Vanguard and Kyle Benson as well as mastered at Gravity Studios by Chicago Legend Doug McBride. LICKER debuted their 1st full-length album (self-titled) with the intention of invigorating it's grunge and new-wave routes into something modern, as well as something memorable. They've taken 90s alternative and kicked it up a notch by adding a shot of synthetic adrenaline. This collage of gritty guitars, danceable beats, and catchy synth and vocal melodies is a recipe that's sure to stay in your head for days!
Composer Gordon Vanguard writes:
"When we set out to record this album, we new it was going in a much different direction than before. I left Minneapolis for Chicago to see where I could take this project in a larger city, and unfortunately, our older members couldn't move here with me, so the 90s grunge style we had going was definitely out. When I came here, I didn't have a lot of people to play music with, so I became both very curious and dependent on what I could do using MIDI and keyboards. I spent a great deal of time figuring out the best way to program drum tracks and fine tune software synthesizers; the whole time asking myself, 'can this really replace real musicians?' The question haunted me for months, but I kept writing new songs anyway. It wasn't until a year later when I started playing with Kyle that he told me, 'You know, a lot of bands are doing this. I think there might be something here - if we do it right.' That's really when I decided to stop being a grunge musician with a drum machine, and start being a synth-pop musician with all the right tools. The songs really started to fall together after that. I'm the kind of musician who writes cause they have to, and I'm not sure anything's ever going to change that. I wanted to make an album that shows what I'm capable of, as well as gives my audience a taste of what's to come - show them that there's still so much potential in music and so many new avenues to discover. I hold myself to very high song-making standards and never release any song I don't think could be a single. A lot of musician's fear the changing style of music today, but I think I've done a pretty good job of embracing it."
$4.99 Digital Download!
Copyright (2010) Sodalite Records 004
This is the second EP recorded by the grunge-pop powerhouse LICKER. These songs were lovingly written between 2008 and 2009 in Mpls by the 90s by-products Gordon Vanguard and Mitch Fedie with the help of Randall Zidones on bass, and Kevin Anhut on drums. Tracked at IPR studios and produced at Droptone Studio. These recordings continue LICKER's grungy-alternative sound, while developing their inherent pop sensibilities.
"These songs were made with love and passion that I am honored to be able to share with the world. If you have ever enjoyed catchy music, grunge/alternative, the 90s, cinema, or just rockin' out, then this ones for you!" - Gordon Vanguard
$5.99 Digital Download
Copyright (2004) Sodalite Records 001
...Owns Your Brain is Gordon Vanguard's first published album of rock, psychedelia, and techno. He was a senior in high school when he made this in his parent's basement. It's very rough and unpolished, more or less an experiment in expressing his teenage psyche. Still, it's not without it's merit.
For music extremists only!
Until We're Dead - A Tribute to Random Vol. 1 (2012)
Paying tribute to the mid-west underground phenomena, Random, LICKER gives us their take on four songs from this fondly remembered band. These songs are quirky and fun; filled with horns, keyboards, and sound samples. This cover album was made to remind us all that good music should never be forgotten. This EP is free to download.
1. Rainbow Show
2. Martania
3. Bulldog's March
4. Leafy Green Trees
Copyright (2012) Sodalite Records 006
Download "Until We're Dead EP" HERE for FREE
Keen Tongue EP (2009)
LICKER's debut studio record is now available for free download! These three tracks feature Gordon Vanguard, Mitch Fedie, Randy Zidones, and Rickey Dute. Grungy and Energetic, the Keen Tongue EP began to shape the direction that LICKER would follow for the rest of their Mpls incarnation.
1. Panic Reflex
2. Chemistry
3. Could Be Sewn
Copyright (2009) Sodalite Records 003