'Vicious Pastimes' contains nine songs in which timeless melodies reminding of 'Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me'-era Cure perfectly match French coldwave moodiness, enhanced by Cocteau Twins' ethereal airiness and Creation Records' seminal shoegaze sounds. Just enough light reaches House Of Harm's base layer, giving life to infectious hooks and unforgettable mantras. The gritted core of every song makes expansive moments of release cathartic, always tethered by commanding drums.