Matter + Form

VNV Nation, the duo of Ronan Harris and Mark Jackson, have with every album honed and refined their distinct sound and style. As the fathers of futurepop, they have weathered the highs and lows of becoming one of the most influential bands in the electronic music scene. With this, their fifth album, "Matter + Form," VNV Nation reinvents itself yet again. Several familiar elements remain, but there is a new sound at work here. The synthesizers have a more organic sound to them (a result of abandoning the PC/softsynth-only approach of their previous album "Futureperfect," and returning to the vintage equipment that signified the sound of their earlier albums), the drums have more variety of tone (some tracks sound more like real drums instead of electronic), the vocals have a wider breadth of melody (Ronan actually sings on key and harmonizes with himself on several tracks), and even stretching outside of the EBM/electro confines of the genre to write songs that actually could have commercial appeal. Songs like "Perpetual" and "Arena" have definite potential to be heard on modern radio, with their catchy melodies and the organic drumming. Other tracks like "Chrome" and "Entropy" recall the old sound of VNV, but with an updated sound and a mature mentality. These songs show the band stepping outside of the formulas they previously set for themselves. "Endless Skies" is a sweet ballad that succeeds where "Holding On" from the previous album failed. Ronan has a greater command of his voice and sings with melancholic passion. "Strata" and "Interceptor" are the obligatory trance-ish instrumentals as only VNV can do...these tracks will be surefire hits on the dancefloor, as will "Homeward" which would also make for a great single. "Colours of Rain" is the real surprise here, musically speaking. With its gothic piano and sweeping symphonics, it has a surprisingly warm sound to it, belying the cold electronic nature of the genre. Indeed, "Matter + Form" shows VNV Nation is not afraid to step outside the norm and take steps to make changes and evolve. This is a revolutionary album that will anger several fans who prefer the old sound, but will astound those with an open mind. Evolution is essential for survival, and VNV Nation are one of the few bands out there who are striving to evolve. When all is said and done, "Matter + Form" is quite an achievement, not just for VNV Nation, but for the electronic music genre as a whole. Listen and enjoy!!!

Note: Check out a more in-depth review at http://www.regenmag.com/Sections-article246-p1.html, written by yours truly.

Before reading reviews on this album, here's something to consider:

VnV Nation has been around for a while now and their sound has progressed a long way since Advance and Follow. As they've refined these standards they've also refined what VnV ultimately is, and I suppose that's why there's a heavy division in what people seem to expect from VnV Nation. When reading thoughts on the band one has to take into account that, until and even through Empires, most of VnV Nation's tracks were out-and-out angst over the state of tyranny in lands that worship flags and court death. In Empire changes began to occur, with those truly noticeable for the first time in B-sides like Tempest (on Dark Angel)and in a few other wayward tracks that people really took notice of. In terms of music and in message FuturePerfect tempoed this transition even more, courting an introspective view that started to outweigh the external angst that foreshadowed so many hits of the past. You could see sadness and beauty in different ways, regret and loss without touches of lashing out, and you could feel beauty as Ronan payed homage to faces he personally knew. Instead of being one-tracked, a montage of other thoughts that plagued Ronan Harris came through and he courted those worlds so admirably. And, on Matter and Form, the album takes that to a new level.

In many ways, the face VnV Nation has evolved and that's why there's so many mixed reviews.

Personally, I love this album and have had it in my discman since it dropped because there are some stellar tracks on it. I'll mention three songs out of it by name as samples for someone if they feel inclined to check them out, with them seemingly strongpoints to me.

"Chrome" is really catchy, beat-driven with a nice chorus echoing "if I could change your mind, I wouldn't save you from the path you wander" that mixes the internal thoughts with an external audience. Memories, echoes, and the deafness of humanity. Its a good track.

"Arena" is possibly my favorite track on the album, slowing only to pick up pace and yet painting a picture that details itself so well. That seems to be one of the things VnV excels at, and the song is moving. The music, thematic in its own way, drives the wording and the wording drives the soul. "Above the waves with my hands raised until the wind lays claim to me." Its beautiful.

"Homeward" is another track that's like that, moving and somewhat breathtaking in its own way, growing on me as I listen to it more and more. The subtle ways Ronan motions and the beats seem to signal back, the lyrical play; it moves. This is possibly the most beautiful song on the album in my opinion. "Here are the stars far from home."

And "Perpetual;" that's a 4th to check out if you still need to forge and opinion on the state of this particular union.

When taking VnV Nation, you have to take them in segments and remember that they're evolving. So, to older fans, clear slates are required to enjoy new motions. And, to new people, ignore the groans of old bones that can't run new races. Go to Metropolis-Records.com and listen to the two samples and see if you like it, making your own judgments because VnV is possibly one of the most talented bands in circulation right now. Note that there are also alot of beat instrumentals leading into songs, tracks of them, and that VnV does both lyrics and sounds.

"Let there always be neverending light."

Empires seems to have been the creative peak for VNV Nation. Futureperfect was not nearly as strong and less consistent, although it had many good tracks. Matter+Form throws any sense of consistency out the window and although there are some good tracks on here, not enough to keep this album afloat. Chrome and Homeward are good tracks that are more like what you might expect from VNV Nation, the rest go all over the place. Rock-style drums and pop-like rythyms seem to dominate the rest of the album and make for a less than enjoyable overall listening experience. It lacks a real direction and any coherence and is more of a thrown-together collection of tracks than an actual album. They may never make another Empires, but I certainly expect better than this from them.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 62 reviews  3.8 out of 5 stars