[3/5] When your band's had as many lead vocalists as official releases, the odd identity crisis can be forgiven. Fortunately for Vanna, new frontman Chris Preece helps channel the band's far-reaching post-hardcore ambitions into something succinct and cohesive-and Curses is all the better for it. The awkward arrangements that shaped 2006's The Search Party Never Came EP still turn up on this disc, but they're less jarring thanks to smarter songwriting and Matt Bayles' (Botch, Isis) airtight production. "We Ate The Horse Your Rode In On" illustrates Vanna's split-personality complex perfectly, introducing a galloping lead riff and thundering percussion before, thud, a too-pretty clean vocal comes in, cutting the track's considerable momentum clean off. Still, the band come closer than ever to reconciling their contrasts on Curses; a sign that Vanna are, however gradually, solving their own puzzle. (EPITAPH) Tristan Staddon
 Official Website: http://www.epitaph.com
|
