| Great production can minimize a bands flaws, and maximize their mass appeal by presenting a polished, fake sound that is instantly ear-pleasing. Yet, this often tells less about the band on the cover than it does the man behind the knobs. So what happens when the exact opposite of this occurs? What happens when there is a band that displays an obvious talent yet has a sound that is marred by a lack of production? Sometimes, they can shine through, and leave you wondering what could be accomplished under different circumstances.
A perfect example of this is Alesana a band under the wings of Tragic Hero Records, sometimes you hear something that could be utterly breath-taking but just little bits and pieces are missing, that make it not that great of an album. Leaving you wondering what if this what if that, but don't give me wrong Alesanas debut full length is simply outrageous forget what you knew about them before, On Frail Wings Of Vanity And Wax showcases an entirely new/mature group of guys. From smoother vocals/screams to stronger guitars/breakdowns and intense drumming off and on throughout your listen, they've grown completely and it shows believe me.
They've even added growling what more could you ask for from a post-hardcore band you grew to love with their EP. They've changed for good I'm totally in love with this new-found sound they've developed and produced, On Frail Wings Of Vanity And Wax is possibly my post-hardcore album of 2006. It's hard for a band to pull off screaming/growling and mix it in with soothing vocals at points and just throw it all in the air for a random yet simply amazing piece of art, Alesana can pull it off in full force.
The band throws enough twists and surprises in these thirteen songs to keep the disc interesting, and never includes more experimentation than is necessary. The CD is a throwback to a time when post-hardcore music was something that was quirky and fun, and didnt take itself too seriously; a time when post-hardcore wasnt something that you could force yourself to listen to, but demanded that you listen to it. A little more polish on these tracks, and weve got a winner on our hands.
~ Wayne
June 20 2006 |
