Vicious Clay Delivers a Daring, Groove-Soaked Triumph With "sand lake" That Proves They're Ready to Soar
- STAFF
- Jun 28
- 4 min read
By: Staff
Unstoppable momentum and pure firepower—Vicious Clay makes indie rock feel cinematic with sand lake.
Still coming down from the rush of Vicious Clay’s groove-saturated indie-rock single “sand lake,” we’re already calling it. This one’s a standout moment and going to make a mark on the industry and fans. The track doesn’t just introduce itself with style; it unfolds like a personal anthem for anyone on the edge of something new. It’s a celebration of risk, renewal, and rhythm, all wrapped in a sexy, confident beat that gets under your skin and stays there.
“sand lake” kicks in with an infectious groove born from the drums and builds outward with purpose. It doesn’t hesitate. It invites. There’s something undeniably magnetic about the way it struts forward. It's casual but precise, laid-back yet commanding. From the first few bars, it already feels like a song you’ve danced to in your dreams or wanted to. It channels that exact moment where anticipation meets release, where fear turns into excitement. It feels like taking the long way home just to spend a few more minutes in the thrill of something just beginning; you know when you find that just-right song and staying in the car no longer feels like a chore. We really loved that feeling, and this song gave it to us.
Vinny Silva, the creative force behind Vicious Clay, built this track from a raw, driving drumline. It was something he laid down between rehearsals years ago, and it’s no wonder that heartbeat stayed with him. That groove is the backbone of the whole thing, and it pulses with intent. Around it, layers of guitar lines shimmer and pulse like headlights on a back road, while the bass adds muscle and gives the track its dance-floor swagger. It’s that tight control of space and sound, minimal yet full of nuance, that makes the whole track feel so alive.
The vocal performance is confident, intimate, and cool in a way that doesn’t ask for your attention, but definitely earns it. When Vinny steps into the verse, he brings a quiet urgency like someone letting you in on a secret halfway through a party. You lean back. You listen. And when the chorus hits, it blooms wide like a moment of clarity in the middle of a haze. There's heat in the delivery, but it’s also easygoing. Effortless. That balance is rare. That’s what makes it impressive.
The song also came with a really excellent audiovisual lyric video on YouTube and while the whole premise is a terrific lyrical storyline, a standout we loved is:
“What does it take, come and lay”
This was like a slow motion slide into home plate. It felt magical and light, and then when the vocals jump up into the higher pacing, it’s a perfect climax then fall that keeps the energy level on 10 the whole time. Nice!
The production work here is worth a serious nod too. Recorded at Brooklyn’s iconic Studio G, a space that has hosted everyone from Bonobo and The Beach Boys to Tom Waits, “sand lake” holds its own in good company. The sound is crisp without being too polished and full without feeling crowded. There’s air in the mix, but everything still hits. It’s the kind of track that fills a room without overwhelming it. It feels like vinyl, and if you know how important that is, then, well, you know! It’s clearly built for both headphones and stage monitors. Every piece is placed with care, from the fluttering background textures to the driving rhythm section. It doesn’t just sound good. It feels intentional.
What elevates this track further is the emotional current flowing underneath. “sand lake” isn’t just a place. It’s a memory, a metaphor, and a manifesto. It’s about stepping into something new while still carrying the weight of what came before. That’s what gives it its pulse. The lyrics nod to new beginnings, romantic or otherwise, but never in a cliché way. Instead, they feel lived-in, personal, even necessary. That depth sneaks up on you, making the whole track more than just a vibe. It’s a journey.
And it’s a journey Vinny took seriously. Not only did he write the song, but he also played every single instrument on the track. Drums, bass, guitar, vocals, even that dusty piano you hear tucked into the corners of the arrangement. It’s all him. That kind of all-in artistry is rare, and it shows. From performance to production, “sand lake” is the result of years of evolution, trial and error, and pure creative obsession.
We love and appreciate seeing that level of hands-on, deep-dive commitment.
With “sand lake,” Vicious Clay has crafted a single that’s as thoughtful as it is addictive. Between the grooves, the impeccable arrangement, and the undeniable sense of self that pulses through every second, this song feels like the start of something big. The band’s upcoming full-length, Bleecker Street Revisited, already has our attention. If this track is any indication, they’re not just planning to release an album. They’re planning to make waves.
Vicious Clay is on the verge of something, and “sand lake” proves they’re more than ready for it. You need to tune in now because once this band hits their stride, they won’t be slowing down.
Vicious Clay’s "sand lake" is a magnetic, pulse-pounding indie rock statement brimming with soul and swagger
Based in New York, Vicious Clay is the brainchild of Vinny Silva, a multi-instrumentalist and creative powerhouse who launched the project as a solo venture in 2018.
What began as an independent exploration quickly evolved into a fully formed artistic identity. Vinny’s deep musical fluency drives each release. Influenced by decades of rock lineage and modern indie aesthetics, Vicious Clay brings a fresh, dynamic edge to the city’s vibrant scene. Their music blends rhythmic precision with raw emotional punch.
What makes Vicious Clay stand out is not only the versatility in sound but the boldness of vision. From high-energy live sets across NYC to immersive, self-produced studio work, Vinny’s full-spectrum approach to songwriting, performing, and producing is both ambitious and inspiring.
He collaborates closely with longtime creative partner Apoena Frota. Together, they have built something that feels authentic, exciting, and deeply personal. You need to check this out!
We’re so excited to have found and can’t wait to hear more from the endlessly inventive artist behind Vicious Clay!
Be sure to stream, playlist, and share "sand lake" by Vicious Clay.
