Vanna - A New Hope

[Drew Beringer]

Vanna – A New Hope
Release Date: March 24, 2009
Record Label: Epitaph

I couldn’t help but think of Stars Wars Episode IV (nerd alert) when I noticed the title for Vanna’s latest album. In A New Hope the movie, the Jedi is rare and nearly extinct , and Luke Skywalker is told he will be the savoir. In the same sense, good metalcore (or whatever –core you want to call this) is rare. Will Vanna’s A New Hope breathe life into a stale genre, or will it end up more like The Phantom Menace?

The Boston five-piece does a fairly good job of incorporating melody into their brand of metal. “Let’s Start An Earthquake” sets the tone, but it takes a few tracks for the album to really get going. It’s incredibly difficult to find the difference between tracks like “Into Hell’s Mouth We March” and “The Same Graceful Wind.” The album hits it peak in the middle though, with bruising tracks such as “Safe To Say” and “We Are The Nameless.” “Trashmouth” is especially delicious, as its paced by Nick Lambert and Evan Pharmakis’ dizzying guitar attack that will leave you scorched like Uncle Owen.

“Sleepwalker” is pulverizing, as Chris Campbell kills on the kit while vocalist Chris Preece shreds his vocals. Full of twists and turns, the track is chaotic romp and the standout on A New Hope. And “Life and Limb” has enough energy in it to keep Chev Chelios alive for a few hours.

But A New Hope stalls on tracks such as “Where We Are Now” and drags to a dull end with closer “The Sun Sets Here” Not to mention that Vanna offers the same formula countless other bands have given before.

A New Hope is a by-the-numbers album. If you liked Vanna or the genre before, then you will dig this. But those looking for something fresh probably won’t be too high on this. There are some really good parts to the album, especially tracks five through eight, and Steve Evetts production is crystal clear as usual. But, unlike Obi-Wan Kenobi, Vanna is not our only hope.

Track Listing:
1. Let’s Start An Earthquake
2. Into Hell’s Mouth We March
3. The Same Graceful Wind
4. Like Changing Seasons
5. Trashmouth
6. Safe To Say
7. We Are Nameless
8. Sleepwalker
9. Where We Are Now
10. Ten Arms
11. Life and Limb
12. The Sun Sets Here
Produced by Steve Evetts

Vanna is:
Chris Preece – vocals
Nick Lambert – guitar
Evan Pharmakis – guitar/vocals
Shawn Marquis – bass/vocals
Chris Campbell – drums

[http://www.myspace.com/vanna]Official (http://www.myspace.com/vanna%5DOfficial) Myspace[/url]; Official AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/vanna)

[WhoSaidThat?]

I think you mean The Phantom Menace.

/Actual nerd alert.

[trappedintime]

The force is strong with you, WhoSaidThat?

[Lemmi!]

yea, album wasn't as good as i wanted it to be

[JTMcKrackles]

Some scene kid in my study hall was ranting and raving about this album yesterday, so I might check it out, but I fully expect it to suck.

[OdeToTheSun]

I'm liking this album. Yes, it is somewhat generic, but I like the melody and Chris' vocals.
Good review though.

[iAMhollyood315]

nothing groundbreaking. But take it for what it is and you find it a really enjoyable record. I met a few of them in a bar a few years ago and they were super nice guys.

[heyozzie]

good review. yea i enjoyed this album but you're right, it wasn't anything groundbreaking.

[Petzl]

I think this album was a huge improvement from Curses. I'll probably get ripped for saying that, but this album definitely shows off their musical ability, especially the guitarists', way more than Curses did. Anyways, "Sleepwalker" is the best song on this album by a long shot, I wasn't really thrilled about "Into Hell's Mouth" or "Safe to Say" when they posted them up on myspace but the rest of the album is pretty awesome. I definitely agree with the statement you made about "if you liked Vanna before, you'll like this" as opposed to someone who has never heard them looking for something new. They definitely don't try anything radically different with this album, but if you like more of the same then it's great.

[thefirewithin]

I've been trying to decide whether this is worth the listen or not... I guess I won't know till I try it.

[cereal4life]

Oh Drew, excellent Star Wars references. I dig, indeed! If you would have incorporated Chewbacca in there somehow, I would be so chuffed. Good review!

[Chuck!]

I really dig Trashmouth. Fair review, well done

[npmshah]

great star wars analogy

[iAMhollyood315]

I think this album was a huge improvement from Curses. I'll probably get ripped for saying that, but this album definitely shows off their musical ability, especially the guitarists', way more than Curses did. Anyways, "Sleepwalker" is the best song on this album by a long shot, I wasn't really thrilled about "Into Hell's Mouth" or "Safe to Say" when they posted them up on myspace but the rest of the album is pretty awesome. I definitely agree with the statement you made about "if you liked Vanna before, you'll like this" as opposed to someone who has never heard them looking for something new. They definitely don't try anything radically different with this album, but if you like more of the same then it's great.
Yeah I agree. Vanna have grown musically and it's better than curses. However I think safe to say is one of the best songs on the record.

[exploration #4]

That Uncle Owen comment was uncalled for. :(

[Barto1127]

great review

i'm liking this album more than curses

personal favorites right now are the intro and same graceful wind

[guitarliketom]

I think this album was a huge improvement from Curses. I'll probably get ripped for saying that, but this album definitely shows off their musical ability, especially the guitarists', way more than Curses did. Anyways, "Sleepwalker" is the best song on this album by a long shot, I wasn't really thrilled about "Into Hell's Mouth" or "Safe to Say" when they posted them up on myspace but the rest of the album is pretty awesome. I definitely agree with the statement you made about "if you liked Vanna before, you'll like this" as opposed to someone who has never heard them looking for something new. They definitely don't try anything radically different with this album, but if you like more of the same then it's great.
i agree with this.... vanna coulud go in two directions with curses. something more grind, or sometihng more approachable and rock.

they went with the latter,and unfortunatey it is a good listen, and sounds good... but it becomes very typical in the process.

the first few songs are good, but as the record dragged on all the songs meshed into one and nothing relaly stood out as original, and it just blends back into that generic hardcore genera.

[zombie!pirate!]

yea, album wasn't as good as i wanted it to be
Ditto. Still satiates a hunger for a decent generic metalcore album though

[First_And_Last]

I agree with the review. The album was nothing spectacular. I got bored after my first listen and I haven't touched it since. I still prefer Curses. I feel that Curses was the album that actually showed off their good musical talent.

The only strong song on this album is Trashmouth.

[lenard27]

That Uncle Owen comment was uncalled for. :(
Yeah. Too soon.

[screamoURI]

like changing seasons really shows off Evan's vocals and melody. this is probably my favorite track, although in all, the album is pretty decent in my opinion.

[George-Michael]

"that will leave you scorched like Uncle Owen."
hahaha so wrong.
I have to agree and say too soon.

[Klatzke]

Terribly rehashed and generic album.

[joshuagilbert]

i always wondered why this band has always just been support on tours and never really headlined anything across the country, and this album showed me why. they are just mediocre, but good enough to be touring.

[timothyonfire]

Hahaha Chev Chelios comment slayed me.

[Alex DiVincenzo]

Good review. I think the album is pretty solid.

[Jake Denning]

Oh good the CD sucks, now I dont have to waste my time; Thanks Drew, lifesaver!

[I'm DC]

aw man...

good review for sure. I can totally understand people not enjoying it. I'm glad you mentioned "If you liked Vanna or the genre before, then you will dig this."

Good review. and I encourage everyone to at least check it out once for themselves...

[Handraa]

"Make the earth shake!"
it was a cool song, but the album wasn't so great.

[Aziraphale]

I think the album is a big step forward for these guys. I think that Vanna is becoming a band that, while obviously not treading on any new ground, is certainly perfecting this tried and true mix of metalcore. Curses was a great album, but I think it suffered from trying to be heavy just for the sake of heaviness. The melodic parts in Curses really only worked well in one track (The Things He Carried), and the rest of them just sort of diluted the band's sound.

On A New Hope though it seems like they've forgone attempting to be heavy when it isn't needed, while weaving melodic parts that actually compliment the majority of the tracks. I guess what I'm trying to say is that on this record they have balanced the melodic and choatic sequences much better than they have in the past. This definitely isn't an award winning album by any stetch of the imagination, but to me its clearly their best work to date, and immensely enjoyable.

[medicatemex]

I was a bit dissapointed with this album, Even though i didn't wanna finish it, maybe i missed out on something good but i think that curses is epic and this album will not be as successful.

[JLPullano]

Good review but I disagree with the negativity towards. “Where We Are Now” . I think it really highlights Guitarist/ Vocalists, Evan Pharmakis's voice and how strong it has gotten over the years. It's also my favorite song on the album.

[PureBlueSF]

Some scene kid in my study hall was ranting and raving about this album yesterday, so I might check it out, but I fully expect it to suck.

It's really not that great. Curses was much better IMO.

PS: You go to Shen? So do I, lol.

[more heart]

I'll probably stil buy this though

[valoo]

decent cd

[WhoSaidThat?]

The force is strong with you, WhoSaidThat?
Hahahaha, I feel like a bit of a jerk, though. I should've probably prefaced my first post with, "I hate to be that guy, but..."

[YouSmellExcited]

those ratings are pretty high...

[FaceLixeMurder]

I loved Curses after a few listens, and this is the same way, but I miss all the "goddamn's" that were followed by breakdowns in Curses, it was very amusing

[billy_yo]

i really like this album

[Brett3]

This album is nothing special, but I find myself enjoying it pretty well.

[redfalcon431]

I enjoy this album and the review!

[handlikesecret]

great review.

the album...eh, take it or leave it.

[TwelveTribes230]

I Was never really a fan of Vanna that much, but this Cd is an improvement from their last. If you like the song Safe To Say check out Bury Tomorrow (http://www.myspace.com/burytomorrowband) There first two songs(their new stuff) on their player sound like that.

[KillyourIdols88]

The last line was amazing!

I'm not a big fan of this band but I must admit they do put on a good show. On the other hand I had the drummer stay the night with me with escape the fate when they were on tour togeather( the epitath tour a three years back I belive) and he was a total dick to to me. No one makes fun of TSOAF and gets away with it!

[bdil]

Great review, but I feel as if more credit should be given to "Lets Have An Earthquake" as an opener. I think it sets a sold tone for the album and I can't imagine a better opening track for this album.

[abellaw]

I like this album you are right this didn't do anything new. But it is definitely is very solid musically and i really enjoyed it!

[Nick Le]

I like the album.

[theredtree]

I loved Curses after a few listens, and this is the same way, but I miss all the "goddamn's" that were followed by breakdowns in Curses, it was very amusing
so true

[tombstonebl00ze]

*yawn*. More bland metalcore. Saw these guys a couple weeks ago... wasn't impressed. It's so typical... damn near EVERY song has the formula of simple downtuned riffs, lots of open string chugging, a melodic sing-along chorus, and a funeral-dirge breakdown with lots of screaming.

'core' bands as a general rule, suck really bad. Vanna's no exception.

[masterchiefx12]

the star wars analogy was too easy to pass up. nice work.

[stayillogical]

I keep hearing this band called generic, and that may very well be true, but why is it that I can't get into any other band of the same genre? There's something about their melodies that keeps me interested, and their shows in Providence are always soooo kickass. I always look forward to seeing this band even though I already have many many times.

[LuX__X]

Tendré que escucharlo..

[zrac99]

I really, really like this album.I hated it the first listen, and i gave it a second try and fell in love with it.

[Klatzke]

I keep hearing this band called generic, and that may very well be true, but why is it that I can't get into any other band of the same genre? There's something about their melodies that keeps me interested, and their shows in Providence are always soooo kickass. I always look forward to seeing this band even though I already have many many times.
That's why. If you're like a local fan bands that may be generic and not all that great seem awesome just because you feel a connection with them.

[osirisFIVE]

I would say, better than Curses.

[xjdizzle]

This album is fucking awsome. They deserve alot more credit than this.
Evan is has a great voice and the band mixes both melody and heavyness very well unlike other bands in the hardcore scene.This band is very underated! Epitaph isnt giving them much support and its bullshit.Bands like Tdwp,sky eats air plane,attack attack, that suck and are called metal or hardcore and arent either and suck get more credit.

[xjdizzle]

*yawn*. More bland metalcore. Saw these guys a couple weeks ago... wasn't impressed. It's so typical... damn near EVERY song has the formula of simple downtuned riffs, lots of open string chugging, a melodic sing-along chorus, and a funeral-dirge breakdown with lots of screaming.

'core' bands as a general rule, suck really bad. Vanna's no exception.
There not metalcore idiot! There a hardcore band from Boston that has a pretty huge scene in that genre.The backround of their guitars is tuned down ,because thats what hardcore bands do!
But the songs are also very melodic.which makes it diffrent than just angry songs.

[xjdizzle]

The ratings are bullshit.

[lolseamus]

this is better than anything else they have done, but it still feels really inconsistent as a whole.

[shit-happens]

one of the best albums of 2009 easily, the cd sounds amazing, live performance is intense, and nicest guys ever

[iAMhollyood315]

one of the best albums of 2009 easily, the cd sounds amazing, live performance is intense, and nicest guys ever
i was just re-listening to this the other day, what makes this release more appealing and great is the group of guys. wicked nice dudes i met them a while back in 07 in a bar and were super cool. also tough life webisodes make you wanna hang with them so funny.

[phillycheese37]

Some scene kid in my study hall was ranting and raving about this album yesterday, so I might check it out, but I fully expect it to suck.
see, when you take that kind of mentality into ANY album, you'll find reasons to hate it. That being said, this album (and band) is fairly formulaic. But if you're into that (which I am) then it's a decent effort from a better-than-most metalcore/hardcore/post-hardcore/(insert word here)core band.

[AaRoNpUnK]

while this is a good review, its just my honest opinion that The Sun Sets Here was a very fitting ending. but i kinda think Curses was slightly better.