Review Summary: Raising the bar of synth-rock to new levels of dynamism.
Ever wondered what heavy rock music would sound like played on synths?
Well, Justice have provided the answer. They are, for all intents and purposes, a rock band masquerading as an electro act. Heavy guitar riffs, rumbling basslines, driving drums and screaming solos - all predominantly synthesised. If Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Queen, Rush or any other classic rock band were transported decades into the future, this is what they'd sound like.
Then again, ironically, this is nothing new. But, though there were elements of this rock aesthetic on their previous (self-titled) album, it's so much more prominent on 'Audio, Video, Disco'. Right from the industrial synth chords of opener Horsepower, you know you're in for an awesome barrage of music. 'Horsepower' proves to be a suitable epithet for the album as a whole - this is relentless, no holds barred stuff. As a whole, it borders on monotony and your head will be pounding - but it's worth it.
Horsepower is also a suitable opener, acting as something of an overture to the remaining tracks. At it's heart though, the album is pure pop-disco, as evidenced by previous single Civilisation. Then there's the closing title track that epitomises the overall sound in a neat bundle of pop-rock-disco; Ohio has its sexy, funk bass; Canon has its roaring Another One Bites The Dust-esque bass; and penultimate track Helix delivers a stupendous riff of pure pleasure. The general lack of vocals totally emphasises the non-stop bombardment of riff after hook after riff. This is simply awesome pop music.
Justice are too often compared to French electro rivals Daft Punk (being a fan of both, this is something I'm guilty of myself). There are similarities in their approach, but with 'Audio, Video, Disco' Justice have raised the bar of synth-rock to new levels of dynamism.
