Audio, Video, Disco

Before you read the negative reviews about this album, because I am sure there will be many, keep the following in mind: Most people who will have listened to this song will be EXPECTING the same songs from Cross. You have to listen to this album without dwelling on Justice's first album. Don't let that become a hang up. Also they probably listen through it once and then gripe about it rather than listening to it a couple times and really soaking it in. This is completely new material and at first I was taken aback and thought "Where's my Justice?" but the more I listened to it the more I could hear them.

Now on to my personal review. This album is a great synthesis of classic 70s rock and electronica. Truly a match made in heaven. You still get your great heavy synth parts that Justice is known for, but there is a lot lighter synth play in this album. They said their previous album was intended for night and this one is intended for day. It's fun and it's lively. It doesn't take itself too seriously. That being said there is still a lot of depth. Rather than relying on a bunch of samples they focus on melodic structures of rock songs. Seriously if you love ELO and bands like them you'll love this album.

I've been listening to it non-stop today already and I almost enjoy it more than their first album.

Give it a chance and enjoy this fun new direction. If you want the same old music over and over, listen to the same album. Don't complain about artists not progressing and sounding the same and then go crazy about it when they actually do.

Best songs: Helix, Civilization, Horsepower, and the hidden track at the end of Audio Video Disco. The album is worth that hidden track alone!

Here's the thing....

A.) If you bought Cross, loved it, and are expecting the exact same album (i.e. some really awesome, but super-heavy slammin' electro) then there's a really good chance you're going to be disappointed.
B.) If however you generally like Justice's sound, and can expand that past the strict definition of the first album, then you're going to like this.
C.) If you're a "B" and you also happen to like classic prog-rock like Yes, Asia, and Rush. Then prepare to totally absolutely love this album more than life itself.

Me, I am somewhere betwixt B+C. So while I would have loved a Cross "2.0" I still really, really dig this album.

Whereas Cross was an in your face mesh of classic Parisian house and heavy electro, this album is more of an homage to classic progressive rock. Which makes this a little bit more heady on the conceptual level. The "problem" with that is that you end up with a mix of songs that you can't exactly dance to...from a group that got big on the dance floor. And while I like to dance to Justice, I also just like to listen to them.

So if you really like good interesting music the latest offering from Justice will totally float your boat.

Best tracks to check out are in my opinion Helix, Civilization, On'n'On. For a taste of what I mean by prog-rock homage check out "Parade".

Let me preface this by saying I've been listening to this album for a few weeks prior to making this review, and it has certainly made a difference. When I first listened to the album I was confused and a bit angry. It's in Justice key, and you can hear the signature Justice modulator/syth here and there, but that's it. It turns out that this is an album that grows on you.

It starts with Civilization and Audio, Video, Disco, as these are the stars of the album. I was quite shocked at Civilization when I first heard it. My taste for music is for the dirty and powerful, which was all of Cross (minus D.A.N.C.E.). Once I became comfortable with it, however, it became very powerful, much in the way of Cross, but brighter. Audio, Video, Disco is the same way, albeit it reminds me of a heavier Daft Punk's Around The World.

If you are new to the album but loved Cross, I'd start off with Brianvision, Horsepower, and Canon. A quick aside; Canon (Primo) seriously reminds me of Led Zeppelin. Canon is just a great instrumental song. If you like Cross, you will like this song. It's one of the most powerful and raw songs on the track. Brianvision reminds me of The Brainwasher/Voyager in Justice key; it's a fantastic song as well. Horsepower is Justice's version of a day at Laguna Seca. First, and uplifting pre-race beat, then the beat goes mean. The chorus starts, the lights turn green, and a powerful 70's riff puts you back in your seat. The song finishes with a 1st place podium riff. Definitely one of my favorite songs on the track.

Now for the songs that will need tasting like a fine scotch - Parade, New Lands, Helix, On'n'On, and Ohio. Parade is still close to traditional Justice, but much happier. It literally sounds like parade music. A song that you'd want to get drunk and yell "NA-NANANA-NA-NANANA" with your friends. New Lands is where it gets different. The intro is straight up AC-DC, which turns into a powerful progressive rock chorus. Suddenly, you find yourself in a Rush solo. It's a well done song, just not in the typical Justice style. On'n'On is a hard song to describe. Earlier 70's, strong and happy chorus. You'll just have to listen to it. Helix is where Cross and A,V,D are on two different ends of the spectrum. It is a good song, but it screams 70's workout sequence to me. Again, one that is difficult for me to explain.

Ohio... Yes. Ohio. I hate 1/3 of this song, sit well with 1/3, and my most favorite part of this album is 1/3 of this song. The beginning is annoying. The states have nothing in common with anything, the syllables sound awful, and his voice doesn't match the song... Until the second 1/3 of the song. The back beat starts matching him, and the song starts to make sense. This is all fine and dandy until the break happens, and then the most glorious, dirty, fat, beautiful synth comes upon you like antibiotics to the plague. It's glorious. Listen to it.

Overall, I would recommend this album, although I would have preferred a harder/more electro album. It's different and well done; completely solid. Definitely an album that needs some time to sink in, but once it does it satisfies. If you are a little shy, follow my recommendation of songs to listen to above. It may be easier than plunging into the icy water.

Eager to hear what people think about the album.

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