Violet Nine – Any Wonder (CD)

 

Sound: B     Music: B-

 

 

Violet Nine is another up and coming band that seems to be part of the new Emo Rock cycle of guys who dress up in suits like the early New Wave heroes (Elvis Costello, Joe Jackson) except that the clothes are a bit looser, tad sloppier (this and other bands) and they look like they might start taking them off at any moment.  This is more about getting comfortable than being a sexual exhibitionist, but any misunderstanding like that will not be disputed.

 

The problem is that some of the songs from bands like this become whinier and also become defined by being compared to more popular, distinctive bands.  Of all the bands, the one that struck me was Rush, as lead singer Ben Consoli sounds like he is doing a refined version of Geddy Lee’s vocals.  That is not necessarily a bad thing, but most of the Emo bands get lost sounding like each other instead of finding an identity like The 88.  Yell It Out is too subdued and it is no surprise it is being used in a formula comedy film.

 

The PCM 2.0 16bit/44.1 Stereo sound is not bad, but the producing and engineering is not distinctive enough to make a case for the band to have a sound or bring out the best of their talents.  It is up to the band to find themselves in a more defined way by the next album, but Any Wonder is a sincere, ambitious enough effort to put them in the right direction.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo