a Review by Amy Producer of Collected Sounds

AñaVañA (pronounced onya-vonya) has recently signed with Zip Records and released their debut CD. They're classified as Reggae, and I guess they are, but not your classic Marley reggae. They have a definite pop flair to them as well. Maybe even ska, as they remind me a little of No Doubt.

Annastasia Victory is the lead singer as well as keyboard player. Her voice is not as high and childish as Gwen Stefani's voice, but still has a little bit of a girly quality. The main difference is that Victory can also belt it out as well as purr and all in that oh so slight and lovely accent that I can't quite place.

The musicianship in this band is very professional as is the production. High quality in both regards. This is radio worthy.

Stand out songs: "Colors Fading", "Just Wanted To Love You", and "Taken Away" (which sounds really cool through headphones). ---- Collected Sounds

I had the fortunate opportunity to listen to AñaVañA's self titled new cd and was more than impressed with the singing, musicianship and song writing. The band is from New York and consists of Ian Bouras, on lead guitars, Annastasia Victory Kuporosova the lead singer and on the keyboards, Dan Paccione on bass, and Ryan Cavan who does the percussion work. The music can be described as Rock, reggae, Latin and a little jazz. Very unique and pleasing to listen to. The CD consists of 12 songs, two of which have one awards, Colors Fading and Taken away. Anna and Ian write the music for the band. Virtually every song has the potential for radio play. Anna's style of singing ranges from gutsy, to the sexy jazz style of Norah Jones on Just Wanted to Love You, which is one of my favorites on the CD. This should be a hit in the crossover market and will please all types of listeners. Let Me Be is a hit, following in the style of Sublime. Ian's guitar work is very melodic throughout the CD. It is a gift to hear someone use the wah-wah pedal as tastefully as he does. The bass and drums provide rhythm that makes there sound so distinct and sets them apart from other newcomers. Great rhythm changes throughout the songs!!

Bow Your Head, has it all, heavy choruses with power guitars and the sweet reggae, jazz verses that show Anna's versatility. Definitely a hit. My favorite mood song is I'm Responsible. Anna's voice along with the reggae rhythm section makes this stand out. Norah Jones would have loved to record this one with an acoustic guitar. Hopefully AñaVañA will get this one on the radio. It's a crossover hit. Captain Careless is an in the groove reggae beat and may be the best pop song on the CD. Good melody and nice changes throughout the song. Ian changes sounds, nicely on his guitar solo, never over playing and always tasteful. You Can't Read My Mind is a nice switch, written in a minor key and has a haunting melody with the reggae beat. Nice melody! The great thing about the song selection on the cd is that they are all different and arranged appropriately so the listener doesn't have to struggle with the same sound of guitars and writing repetition that is heard on so many bands' releases. You won't get that with AñaVañA's music.

Had Me Fooled gets right back to the pop, reggae rhythm and is well written. Memorable melody and great changes. Another Hit!!!

One Good Reason is back to the heavier side of the band with melody!!! That's the key to good song writing. If AñaVañA is this good and controlled and effecive with their music on CD, then they should be awesome in concert. Jimmy Page knew how to record his guitar and mix Led Zeppelin's songs to get the maximum benefit to the listener and so does this band.

Overall I give AñaVañA a top rating. It can be painful at times reviewing new CD's from bands that haven't had exposure. I always can find a few good things about each band's music. In this case, I find no faults. AñaVañA has it all, writing, musicianship and control in their songwriting. They are getting their ideas across to the listener. They have a great NEW sound that is very refreshing and deserve the opportunity to have their music heard. I expect to hear more from this band!! If you want a copy of the CD, or to hear more, trot over to www.anavana.com It's worth your time!