Dark times forms great songs
Album facts
Release Date: April 28th, 2023
Label: Anachron Sounds
Tags: EBM, Future Pop, Synth Pop, VNV Nation
Discogs: VNV Nation – Electric Sun
Partially sounds like: Depeche Mode, Solar Fake, The Prodigy
Final score: 3.8 stars
The 'VNV Nation' fanbase had to wait a whole five years for new material from the guys. After their last album, 'Noire' (2018), a lot has happened in the world, and some of it is reflected in this album. The dark album artwork perfectly mirrors the mood of the album. As we know, difficult times often give birth to excellent songs. We'll delve into the album and discuss what that means in our comprehensive review of 'Electric Sun'.
A classic VNV Nation opener
The title and name given track 'Electric Sun' begins very calmly and builds up gradually. Essentially, it's an epic ballad. Overall, it's not a bad track to start an album with. However, the song runs a bit too long for my taste, clocking in at a lengthy 6 minutes and 44 seconds. Towards the end, it starts to drag on due to the lack of dynamics and variation. By the 5:20 mark, I was ready for it to end, as it had reached its peak. Please don't misunderstand me; the song is good, but even good things need to end to be valuable.
The song 'Before The Rain' is a classic VNV Nation track with their signature sound. Any die-hard fan will be thrilled by this song. A punchy beat and an arpeggio sequence whips us through the song. It's highly catchy and has the potential to be a single. I could easily picture it being played on the dancefloor, as it exudes a lot of electric energy.
A moment staged for us
Until we turn to dust
Until time’s evaporated
Lyrics from 'Before The Rain' by VNV Nation
'The Game' features more traditional instrumentation, including piano and an atypical drum sound for 'VNV Nation'. I must admit, the track was initially jarring to me, but it ended up working well. I appreciate the sonic variation here, especially the bridge at the 2:12 mark, which is reminiscent of 'Depeche Mode'.
Creating pressure with a drop
The fourth track 'Invictus' on the album 'Electric Sun' delivers a solid punch to the eardrums with its thick, fat analog synth sounds and bass-heavy beat. The song is definitely geared towards the dancefloor and Ronan Harris' vocals are as full and powerful as ever. I have to say, he consistently delivers whether in the studio or during live performances, and that deserves respect.
'Artifice' is a cleaner and more technical sounding track than the rest of the songs on 'Electric Sun', but that's actually a positive thing. Personally, I am a fan of punchy beats and driving, powerful sounds, and this song delivers 100%. 'Artifice' is one of those tracks that grabbed me right away, and I almost dare to say that it's a softer version of their mega-hit 'Control'. But, of course, only almost (wink smiley).
Blazing guns and riots
Catastrophe’s back in style
Your back’s to the wall but you won’t take the fall
for the schemes of your wasted youth
Lyrics from 'Artifice' by VNV Nation
In contrast, 'In The Temple' is a brief instrumental interlude that didn't really speak to me and that I ended up skipping.
Get ready to hit the dancefloor!
Kicking off with a sci-fi-inspired intro and a snappy beat (almost 140 bpm), the incredibly fantastic track 'Prophet' starts with a bang. This song fits me like a tailor-made suit. My goodness, this track is amazing! The tempo sends my heart racing, and my adrenaline demands a spot on the dancefloor. This is the sound that makes me love 'VNV Nation' above all else. It deserves to be a single release with a music video. 'Prophet' is officially one of my top picks on 'Electric Sun'. And I personally thank the band for this incredible, magnificent anthem.
We promise forgiveness
and teach you how to love with hate
We sell you salvation
The wages of sin must be paid
Lyrics from 'Prophet' by VNV Nation
'Wait' was the first single release from the album 'Electric Sun' and I immediately fell in love with it. The beat that invites you to march in squares on the dancefloor is demanding but incredibly fun. The single version, with a runtime of 05:29 minutes, is better for me personally than the drawn-out album version, which lasts a whole 07:27 minutes. They could have released the longer version as a classic extended mix with the single, but let's not quibble. Even the longer album version does not drag on unnecessarily or audibly.
Sadly, "At Horizon's End" is the second song on 'Electric Sun' that doesn't really appeal to me. It's an atmospheric ballad that's well-produced but, in my opinion, very interchangeable. Sorry, this is probably more for the die-hard fans.
The sunset
The song 'Run' has an epic soundtrack feel with the use of strings, while the drums, especially in the chorus, have a bit of a military band vibe. It could have easily been used as a grand finale for the album, but the tracklist was arranged differently. The song is not a dancefloor hit, but it's also not a filler. For me, 'Run' is on the same level as the opener 'Electric Sun' in terms of being a solid middle ground. By the way, the song could have been easily shortened by two minutes.
'Sunflare' practically pulsates through the speakers and the crisp, short, and subtly used drum rolls sound fantastic. The 123 bpm somehow sound calmer and more relaxed than they technically should be. I think Ronan's warmer and more subdued vocals contribute significantly to this, as well as the soft strings. Overall, the strings on 'Electric Sun' are once again prominently featured, but they're also always used in a very diverse way.
Unfortunately, 'VNV Nation' ends the album with an instrumental string-organ crap track. In the context of the entire album, it serves as the conclusion of a melancholic epic, but viewed as a standalone track, it's uninteresting. Unless you're a fan of classical music, it might work for you. Personally, it's not my cup of tea. Over and out.
Is the sun electric enough?
The previous albums were always very mixed and always a bit like a general shop. Every album in the past has always contained great grenades, but also insignificant gap fillers. Basically it's 'The Prodigy' phenomenon: "The singles are great, the albums are average".
Nevertheless, the album 'Electric Sun' is the best 'VNV Nation' ever! Am I exaggerating? At least that's my truth and I'm really, really happy with the album. And the best thing is that with an overall rating of 3.79 stars there is still room for improvement. The album is a clear recommendation and I am super happy with my purchase of the Mediabook CD.
My tip to the band: Leave out the instrumental tracks and monotonous ballads on the regular album and release them separately as bonus tracks for the hardcore fans. Then maybe it will work out with a 4+ star rating someday.
Track by track rating for: VNV Nation – Electric Sun
