Vnv Nation - Noire (2018) Hi Res

After the tightly focused pop of "Automatic" and "Transnational", it seems VNV Nation wanted to revisit their sound from 10-15 years ago. This album is very much in the "Futureperfect"/"Matter + Form"/"Judgment" vein 13 tracks, many skipable, leaving about 6 or 7 worth repeat listens. Standouts are "Armour", "When is the Future" and "Only Satellites". They can't keep trying to remake "Automatic", nor should they, but it seems losing a few tracks and tightening up the ones that are here would have resulted in a better final product. As it is, it feels like a bit of a step backward, which is an odd move for the crown princes of Futurepop.