Post-hardcore bands that utilise the scream/sing dynamic are everywhere these days, so it’s hard for an one act to really stand out from the crowds. With their new release, A New Hope, Vanna do better than most. There’s twelve songs here that strike a strong balance between the melodic and the brutal and is ultimately worthy of a listen.
Make sure you’re not mistaken – If you’re looking for easy listening, it’s not here. The likes of Trashmouth and Life and Limb display an Every Time I Die/Underoath influence, while Where we are Now and the sweet chorus of The Same Graceful Wind will still satisfy those looking for a melody, albeit over a fantastically heavy backdrop. There are lighter moments here and there, but the majority of this record is based on old fashion metal sensibilities, which is fine by me.
Beneath the chugging guitars and the double-bass drum beats, there’s a real energy, a real sense of determination, and in my eyes that’s what make this band stand out. Throughout A New Hope, Vanna take you on a high-octane, adrenaline fuelled journey that in such an overpopulated genre, will prove to be much more memorable than most once the journey’s over.
Andy R