VNV Nation
Automatic

The VNV Nation is a duo composed of Ronan Harris and Mark Jackson, originally from Ireland but living in Germany. Their music is a form of electronic music with trance influences, EBM, and synth pop. They define it as future pop, a term coined to describe their music.

With many albums and often very positive reviews, they released in 2011 this "Automatic," the eighth studio album. I have to say I love them, I’m quite biased, but I hope to be as objective as possible in writing this review. 

In short, we can say they haven’t let us down, creating an album that follows the vein of the previous "Of Faith, Power And Glory," meaning an easy-listening album, suitable for everyone, with quite simple melodies enriched by melodic arrangements and complex, emotional lyrics. 

The album consists of 10 tracks, three of which are instrumental (as the duo often does) and the remaining ones are sung by Ronan Harris. Mark focuses on melodies and arrangements. The first real track, "Space And Time," is immediately striking, full of emotion where Ronan gives his best in a very rich instrumental with melodic arrangements. Another similar track in "concept" is undoubtedly the following "Resolution," among the best on the album.

Next is "Control," the hit of the album, which, however, leaves me with little impression. It seems a bit filler and slightly out of place in the much more melodic and introspective context of the album. The following "Goodbye 20th Century" is a classic and melodic instrumental, fitting the rest of the album, preceding "Streamline", another quite calm song characterized by its very pronounced synth arpeggio.

At number eight and nine, we find the two masterpieces of the album. "Gratitude" is a spectacular, exciting track, wonderfully arranged, and memorable from the first listen. Ronan thanks everyone for providing him with the feelings necessary to give him courage and strength. A heartfelt track, which perhaps alone is worth the price of the album. Following is "Nova" and one can only bow to Ronan's genius. Track that leaves you speechless, with a melancholic chorus and heartfelt lyrics. Ronan seems almost like he’s crying in the chorus. This one too is worth the album alone and is perhaps the best track on the album in my opinion. 

Following is "Photon," an instrumental that is both intense and melodic, fitting perfectly into the album's standards. The album closes with "Radio", a song that to me is anonymous and frankly I almost never listen to.

In short, VNV Nation may not have created their masterpiece but they haven’t rested on their laurels and managed to create a fresh, modern album that could bring them the success they deserve. The two tracks I mentioned alone are worth a listen, and the mature and heartfelt lyrics make the album one of the most accessible by the duo.

Waiting for the next one.