Reviews

After two ep’s and a full length on indie labels ranging from tiny Volcom Records to indie giants Equalvision, beyond virtue, beyond vice is the major label (Lava Records) debut for the six piece post-hardcore outfit, Vaux.  Unlike their first full length effort, the new record is at times very quiet, almost brooding in its minimalism, and far better written and constructed than the sometimes repetitive There must be some way to stop them.  This has a much more mature, calculated feel.  The melodies are more complex and more ambitious.  The guitars alternately heavier and calmer, more clear.
 
For anyone unfamiliar, Vaux play a breed of post-hardcore which combines traditional heavy music aspects with melodic ideas, at times utilizing three guitars.  Their old songs are characterized by their energy, with fast hardcore riffs and drum-centric breakdowns combining with vocals that ranged from a screaming voice akin to Refused to a crooning, melodic voice.  The third guitarist trades off between playing guitar and using a myriad of effects, keyboards, and samplers, fleshing out the sound and complicating the music.  Their live show was the best place to sample what they had to offer, with their homemade light show and over the top energy. 
 
New to this release are the means available.  They used their major label status to seek out some of the biggest names in production, including the producer for U2 and Snow Patrol and the sound producer from Marylin Manson.  The new album changes substantially from the old sound, with the scream and three guitar hardcore attack taking a backseat to songwriting and a slower, more deliberate approach.  More than not, the songs develop slowly, build on themselves, and thoroughly reflect both the seriousness of the band and the time put into their creation. 
 
Problems with this are few, but do exist for me.  One, the single “Are You With Me” is hands down the worst song on the record, catchy as hell but at times repetitive enough to skip.  Also, the flow of the record lags at times.  IT seems the attempt was made to have the record wind all the way down through the center of the cd and then build and descend in the last few songs, but it feels like it needs a faster song to keep the attention of the listener.  I have to say, I miss the screaming, more energetic approach.  But nevertheless, I totally respect what this cd is on its own: a well-crafted and thought out effort from a band making a new and ambitious cd. Definitely worth buying.