Nominated for a Fringe Award at Buxton Fringe Festival in the Best Musical Event category 2007 - This is the review...
'Vanity Press is a band on the face of it some mighty guitar twiddling and vocal finery, courtesy of Chris Harper and Victoria Bourne. Bourne's vocal is stunning in the Thom Yorke/ Matt Bellemy vein. Vanity Press makes you really understand how the voice can be used as an instrument. Bourne has previously been compared to Bjork and PJ Harvey (aren't all strong female vocalists!) but her stage presence is much more reminiscent of fellow blonde bombshell Wagner of The Raveonettes.
Another interesting thing about Vanity Press is that they are accompanied by midi triggers of pre-recorded samples. The arrangements are amazing, but backing track percussion is never ideal! These guys have the musical ability to be brilliant. There is no reason why they shouldn't aim for that Radio 1/ Radio 2 crossover audience. All it needs now is someone to throw a load of money their way for them to hit the alternative mainstream. '
Dale Copley http://www.buxtonfringe.org.uk/reviews2007mus.html
They are a featured band on BBC Leicester where there is a interview with the band.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/leicester/content/articles/2007/04/11/u
nsigned_vanitypress_feature.shtml
'Their music draws heavily from Jeff Buckley, Velvet Underground, Portishead and Sigur Ros. Dreamy and atmospheric melodies that would make perfect movie soundtracks run throughout the EP forming the mood of the song and providing the platform for Bourne’s unique vocals. Bjork, Patti Smith and PJ Harvey are the obvious comparisons. Like a female Nick Cave, her voice oozes beauty and pain in equal measure, grabbing the listener from the first note, it’s a voice that is impossible to ignore or forget.
Michael Bird’s lyrics are deeply poetic and personal. Tales of broken relationships and inner turmoil “I want to sing when I’m in your blood but I must cut you to let loose the songâ€....From the tranquil and meditative to the aggressive, but done with poise passion and feeling. A band like few others, and one that must be experienced.' By Martin Kendrick. Full review and interview on:
http://noizemakesenemies.blogspot.com/2007/04/vanity-press-v
anity-press-ep-album.html
'Vanity Press is a unfamiliar talent. Uniquely brilliant and beautiful' Bring me up:The Sound by Christy Mannering.
Full review on http://scrink.com/blog/index.html
Vanity Press both the band and the EP, are a band that defies a specific label. Having been compared to Bjork, PJ Harvey and Patti Smith, the band shows their ability to create a unique sound. By Stephen McCaskill. Full review on www.musingsonmusic.com
Their live shows are mesmerizing events. Using a mix of instruments and samples with Bourne’s sultry stage presence creates a memorable live experience. http://noizemakesenemies.blogspot.com/2007/04/vanity-press-v
anity-press-ep-album.html
'Vanity Press kicked things off to a blinder, a very tight set, great sound, soulful and innovative. Rich, Wildcard.
'Soulful, haunting and atmospheric' Velvet Grooves: Full review on: http://www.velvetgrooves.co.uk/myspace.php
