VNV Nation - "Electric Sun"

Worth basking in, but not dancing under

I can’t lie: I was low-key excited for this album. I discovered VNV Nation in the end credits of the vastly underrated game “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice”. VNV Nation’s last album released in 2018, so not only is this the first album I’ve been able to review this way - it’s the first album in five years for the project, which is basically a one-man effort at this point, as the drummer left in 2017, leaving Ronan Harris to run the whole project solo. Which is probably why it took five years for this album to emerge, not to mention Covid’s societal disruptions.

VNV Nation is strong electronica, very synth-heavy with trance elements, but with a keen sense of melody, as well. The songs never get lost in themselves, if that makes sense, even if that might make for more danceable EDM. Because Harris frequently slows the pace and waxes grandiose. There are a lot of beautiful, *deep* moments on the album as a result. But, frankly, the album as a whole feels too slow. There are so few genuinely upbeat moments here that the album feels a little flat. Each of the tracks are good, taken individually, but the album is lacking a bit.

As a final note, Harris’ voice reminds me strongly of another vocalist, but I can’t place it. I’m thinking 80s? If you listen and can place it, please let me know.

Rating: Green