The first band to enjoy the benefit of a review on Discoasylum is the inimitable Irish-British band VNV Nation, whose new album, Of Faith, Power and Glory, was released 19 June in Europe and 23 June in North America.I've enjoyed VNV Nation's soulful futurepop about nine years now, and while they follow a definite formula, their work has evolved into a more mature style without coming across as poncey or lacklustre. Whereas their earlier releases, such as 1995's Advance and Follow, satisfy the listener's craving for highly punctuated, atonal, and even aggressive stompers, Of Faith, Power and Glory offers a respite from some of this earlier cynicism, presenting melodic soundscapes with often optimistic messages. Ronan Harris's adroit, almost gospel-inflected vocals, characterised largely by ominous minor keys, glide smoothly over an infectious four-to-the-floor rhythm in Tomorrow Never Comes, a poignant commentary on the potential self-destruction of the human race, while Defiant bursts forth with shimmering bass and inspiring chords, challenging fatalism and advocating the importance of personal agency.
VNV Nation's seventh studio album succeeds in creating a set of invigorating yet thought-provoking songs which are both a delight to dance to and to ruminate on. And, besides, they even give some of their songs Latin names, which thoroughly pleases a linguistics nerd such as myself.
Image ©2009 ~Karezoid
No comments:
Post a Comment