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Review Summary: yet another excellent futurepop album. Formed in 1990, VNV Nation have been in the music business for 21 years, which is quite an accomplishment. Releasing an album every few years, they wasted no time in bringing us music, and quality music at that. Say what you want, but there’s no denying their work ethic, or their influence on future industrial acts. VNV Nation set the ground for how good futurepop should sound, continuously improving and rethinking their formula. With the release of Automatic, the band have revamped their formula once again, but this time they might stick with this change. Not because they have nothing left to offer us, but more that their sound finally seems completed:
My god
Look at what we are now
Without regret for all the things that we have done.
This is, without a doubt, VNV Nation’s cheeriest album. With stunningly bright synths coupled with inspiring, faux-Christian lyrics, they are undoubtedly basking in the sunlight. Coming from a band often obsessed with topics such as war, depression, death, etc., it’s nice to hear them cheering up. Such joy is influential, and makes their music quite powerful, but finally in a way that doesn’t depress. It really does make all the difference in the world.
Automatic is VNV Nation’s most radio friendly album due to its melodic nature. They have finally learned the art of creating memorable choruses and tunes, and have brought the “pop” in futurepop to new heights. It is essentially a dance album and concert goers will no doubt find these songs enjoyable. The unfortunate part of this is that songs sound much too similar, and have lost their unique edge. The kind of music they’re producing now could fall under any genre and sound good. There is very little keeping them from turning into a faceless dance group. It might gain them new fans, but it sure won’t sit well for old ones.
Conclusively, Automatic is immensely enjoyable regardless of its superficial shortcomings. The band have not lost their sound, they have found it even if that voice is not as unique as we would have liked. Filled with sugary, hypnotic tunes, Automatic is an album for the fans who wanted VNV Nation to drop their seriousness, and just rock out. Emotionally and lyrically, it truly is is a step in the right direction. Musically, it’s a straightforward futurepop album, and although variation is surprisingly lacking, it is of little consequence. Making excellent futurepop albums is what they do, and surprise of surprises, they’ve done it again.
| other reviews of this album |
Acanthus (2.5)
VNV Nation have shocked the world, they have released another future-pop album....
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Album Rating: 4.0
Thus concludes my VNV Nation discography review (for now)!
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
Very nice sir, well worded too!
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Thanks Acanthus! I now understand why you might not love this album. :]
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
I do like the cheerfulness of the two tracks, just the rest I cannot stand is all.
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VNV Nation released their first album in 1995, and their second album in 1998, so the focus of your introduction feels a
bit off.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Yes that is true, but they were together as a group before then. As far as "every one or two years", I'll change that to every few years.
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Releasing an album every one or two years, they wasted no time in bringing us music, and quality music at that. they have wasted...
but this time they’ve finally ran out of ideas. well, uhm, obviously not if this is their first "happy" album, so I'm not following you there.
Good review in general though, kintups!
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
"they have wasted"
I see what you're saying but...
so I'm not following you there.
I guess I'm saying that musically speaking this album is old hat.
Good review in general though, kintups!
Thanks mr. metalstyles!
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Actually, another thing I just noticed: In the opening paragraph you say that their sound is finally complete, but in the third paragraph you say how this sound could almost belong to any faceless dance group and that the band has lost their originality, and I can't see that being equal to coming full circle.
| | | Album Rating: 2.5
In pizza's defense the album does sound as he portrays it.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
It's kind of a bitter sweet thing Metalman. They've come full circle and found their true sound, but it's unfortunately not that original of a sound.
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But if their past sound was more interesting and unique, then why is this new sound their true sound ;)?
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Ah-hah! This I can answer with a quote from the band:
This is a big step on for us and we're very proud of the album. We would even dare to say that it's our favourite so far
Do I win? : )
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Pffft, bands always say that "this new album is really what we're all about", "this is our best album to date", "this is our most focused effort", "this album really shows a new side of us" etc. etc. crap, it's your job as a reviewer to unbiasedly evaluate the album based on how it sounds to you, the listener, not for the band ;). Just because the band said its their favorite record does not mean that this new sound is the right sound for them, when they've clearly done better in the past.
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
Just because the band said its their favorite record does not mean that this new sound is the right sound for them, when they've clearly done better in the past.
I totally agree, the band might believe that this album/sound is their best, but that doesn't necessarily mean it is. Just like a mother believes her child is the best looking child in the world even when the kid is stupidly ugly! I think we've come full circle Metals ;)!
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My man
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Idk if it would be up to me I'd just change this part: "With the release of Automatic, the band have improved once again, but this time they’ve finally ran out of ideas. Not because they have nothing left to offer us, but more that their sound finally seems completed"
Because, to me, this both reads awkward and sounds awkward (in my head).
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
hmm I'll figure something out
ty bloc :]
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