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As if the world was actually in need of yet another record that channels Every Time I Die, Norma Jean and the usually stale sing-scream dynamic, Vanna has unleashed Curses, a 12-songer that's fervent, but unnervingly artificial.
While it's often energy and enthusiasm -- two things Vanna offers -- that help me tolerate this brand of melody-infused metalcore, everything the band does lacks character and comes across as mere imitations of better bands' motions. The mighty breakdowns hit hard, the screaming is of a throat-shredding quality, and the melodic passages, although ill-placed, even sound decent, especially when the accompanying guitars go a bit atmospheric. Curses is a musically capable record. But, when all is said and done, I'm left wondering, "Why?" Curses lacks the conviction to convince me that Vanna really feels their forgettable music, and I don't see it serving much of a purpose other than occupying Norma Jean and Drop Dead, Gorgeous fans when those bands aren't in town.
Blah.
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