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Life & Arts

Mediocrity is healed in time with 'Scar'

By Ben Hill
The Daily Cougar

Some albums just seem to get better and better with each listen. Surprisingly, Favorite Scar, the debut album by Dallas-based band The Vanished falls neatly into that category. At first listen, there appears to be little to distinguish it from many of the generic bands that can be found on any local alt-indie rock station. But repeated listens will reveal a band with promise and an ear for melody. 

The music on Favorite Scar ranges from upbeat odes to nameless girls and dark meditations on life in the 21st century to bitter lyrical finger-pointing. Vocalist Kevin Kirkwood is a refreshing relief from the current crop of screamers as he can actually hold a note without drowning it in crusty teenage angst. Combined with thick, effect-laden riffage from guitarist Dallas Perry and a tight, simplistic rhythm section in bassist Justin Young and drummer Phil Helms, The Vanished cook up a consistent set of tracks that make for a solid debut. 

Favorite Scar begins with three radio-friendly tracks including the album's titular single, which seems to be the group's token Eastern-tinged rock-world music hybrid. It sounds like someone threw the crunchy attack of the Foo Fighters into a blender with the sparkling pop of the Gin Blossoms and added a sitar. "Latch Key Princess" is one of those story songs about a girl using an infatuated boy as a narrator, not unlike Train's "Meet Virginia" or Lyle Lovett's "One-Eyed Fiona". 

With tracks like "Anna's Leech," "Soap," and "Anesthesia Winter," the album gets progressively better. The latter track testifies to the considerable influence The Cure has had on The Vanished. Crisp drumming, a driving, repetitive bass line and memorable guitar licks that recall The Cure's Wish and Bloodflowers period grab the ears but retain that slightly raw edge that makes the song distinct. "Soap" features a vocal duet between Kirkwood and Eisley guitarist Chauntelle Dupree. Unfortunately, Dupree's voice is buried under some over-zealous drum programming, rendering the track less effective. The album closes with the anthemic dreaminess of "Kerosene" and the "Anatomy of Desperation," which recalls some of Further Seems Forever's finer moments. 

As their debut exhibits, The Vanished has potential. While still a bit rough around the edges, it will be interesting to see what this band will turn out in their upcoming releases as they mature. The Vanished will be playing tonight at the Engine Room, 1515 Pease St., with The Exies.

The Vanished

Favorite Scar

Kirtland Records

Verdict: Keep listening; it will get better.

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