VNV Nation
"Futureperfect"
(Metropolis)

If you have never heard of VNV Nation and you enjoy synth/goth/industrial music, I seriously recommend this newest collection from VNV. For a two-man group, their sound is rich & reflective. They have true substance & depth, as shown by the fact that they won a GAMA (German Alternative Music Award) last year for the most successful single, which is refreshing in today's atmosphere of revolving bubble-gum pop. Their elective mix of dark yet hopeful lyrics seems to float over waves of symphonic synth melodies, and there are several instrumental tracks as well.
One of these is a Power Noize song, featuring air-raid samples. If you listen carefully, you'll hear a distinct "Knight Rider" synth line toward the end. The first track has an excerpt from Sir Edward Elgar's orchestral Enigma Variations, Nimrod. Among the instrumental pieces, my favorite is ironically titled "Leibestod" (English translation: Body death). It is ethereal with a "New Age" quality. I believe they were creating a musical analogy for the way it would feel to be liberated from the physical realm. The third track, "Electonaut", would be an instant club hit, except for the fact that is is over 6 minutes in length.
The first track I heard in a local nightclub is "Epicentre". It is a somber cry against anyone feeling pity for someone struggling to find their place in the world. For those who believe goth/industrial music is all doom and gloom, "Fearless" defies that belief. It is an unabashed anthem of positive affirmation: the main chorus is "I am not alone. I am not afraid. I am not unhappy." My favorite songs are the last two, "Beloved" & "Airships". "Beloved" has sad, wistful lyrics about missing someone dear to their heart. "Airships" is musically eloquent with an upbeat attitude. "Holding On" is an inspirational song about learning to find your faith to hope for something better. I saw VNV (an anacronym for "Victory not Vengeance") live in December of 2001. The song that had the biggest impact on me is on this new album- "Carbon". The song alone is a statement about how our human race is disgustingly lackadaisical about caring for the planet. The multi-media portion of the live show streamed hard facts about the ozone layer & governmental funding toward the further exploitation of the earth's resources. It's a shame that more people aren't exposed to songs with this sort of message.
VNV Nation creates music from the depths of their souls, and it touches mine. I hope you will be touched by it as well.

-Heather