Pop-punk, yes.  Annoying, no.

Vanna is walking emo-rock territory - daaaaaaaaangerous territory! - but I am happy to report that so far no one has flicked his black hair over his eyes for a myspace photo.  Not yet.

"A New Hope" is an Epitaph release, and as previously mentioned, this is a label very talented at matching producers with bands.  Can't quite say how it was decided upon to pair them with Steve Evetts (who helped Every Time I Die create the festive grit of "The Bit Dirty"), but it was a smart move.  He's brought out the classic vocal moves of Rock:  The growler, the yelper, and the swooner (or, more appropriately, the swoon-inducer).  This is a combination that results in a propelled expansion of pop proportions. 

Enjoyable?  Oh, yes!  Moving?  Not exactly.  Vanna is still a bit "Ho Hum".  Still a bit in "Background-Music" territory. 

*****

Track Listing:

1) Let's Have An Earthquake
2) Into Hell's Mouth We March
3) The Same Graceful Wind
4) Like Changing Seasons
5) Trashmouth
6) Safe To Say
7) We Are Nameless
8) Sleepwalker
9) Where We Are Now
10)  Ten Arms
11)  Life and Lime
12)  The Sun Sets Here