Album Review: VNV Nation - Construct
- Canis Lewis
- Jul 5
- 5 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
When I first heard 'Silence Speaks' prior to the release of Construct, I knew this would have to be an album I reviewed; I had fully planned to get started after I finished my first play through.. That was until I got to the track 'Nothing More' which hit me so, so hard, I had to walk away from the album with tears in my eyes for.. a while. I did however play 'Silence Speaks' in my latest DJ for Beat:Cancer, and that is truly a song of epic gravitas.
This is all to say that what VNV Nation have released in this album is full of emotional impact, meaning, and masterfully put together music. It is one of the truly wonderful things about reviewing music because when you truly listen ..an album comes along once in a while that grabs me deeply and doesn't ever let go.
VNV Nation is a European based alternative electronic project led by Ronan Harris. The music blends thought provoking lyrics with melodic dance beats, indie-electronic anthems, haunting ballads and post-classical pieces. Live shows are legendary for the energy and positive emotion. The last 3 albums charted top 10 in Germany, as well as top 5 Billboard Chart positions in the US.
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Review
Though a particularly unusual opening to an synthpop album, 'Hymn' is hauntingly beautiful. If you're a fan of JRPGs like Final Fantasy 14, it's this very kind of epic chorale Hymn that makes many parts incredibly memorable. This is a peaceful start to what as is always expected from VNV nation.. Emotional content and club bangers.
The opening synths of 'The Spaces Between' take on a somewhat retro Sci-Fi vibe,and when the base drops in, it feels more like something from the Stellaris game soundtrack. The chorus is uplifting and rich with depth of metaphor and calling out to the subject person of the lyrics. Off to a great start.
'Station 21' Reminds me a little bit of David Bowie's 'Space Oddity' in it's chorus with the lyrics of calling out to Station 21. It's a high-note synth blast of feel good energy. The song speaks of history, of watching the world change in front of us all, knowing Armageddon is coming soon. Contrast to the feel good, huh? It seems to me like a song specifically about the feeling of nostalgia of what we have now - from the perspective of a future individual.
'By Your Side' is an instant club banger, the stomping bass synths, the tempo, and consistent undertone aggression of the lyrics make this a damn good dance tune. When the chorus kicks in, the energy and synth crescendo and the vocal level rises making for an extra burst of dancing fun. Besides, What better lyrics to dance alongside your friends to than 'I'll be by your side' ?
Okay so.. 'Nothing More'.. the reason I've been putting this review on the back burner for a while. Let me start by sharing the chorus lyrics..
If you feel there’s nothing more That life has little else to give Nothing to dream or wish or hope for Then I ask you to think again So much you’ve never known That gives as much as you can give A life that you were meant for One I hope you’ll proudly live
As you can probably extrapolate from that, the songs is gently asking someone to reconsider the choice of suicide. And I'll be honest, ideations of such - I am no stranger to, and this song first reached my ears on a particularly difficult day recently and.. it really helped, hence being a review I had to back away from for a while.
I genuinely hope this song helps others because just like VNV nation touched us all with the Sophie Lancaster tribute of 'Illusion', this song also touches on something we all need reminding of.. Hope. Let the song, the lyrics, the sweeping piano and violins speak for themselves and go and listen to this utterly perfect, and possibly life saving masterpiece.
'Save Me' is like a slow burning stage musical number with the poignant monologue that build gently in emotion and finally intensity when the beat kicks in. One thick with story. 'Close to Heaven' sings of enjoying a live show, the call to let go and let lose to enjoy the performance you bear witness to.
Is Ronan 'The Greatest Showman'?
It's a great reminder to be present in whatever moment you find yourself in.
'Silence Speaks' is my joint favourite track of the album to 'Nothing More'.
The reason being is that this song F**king SLAPS! The beat, the tempo, the lyrical genius of the track, and the structure also makes this a club banger. Just trust me on this one, go put it on a decent sound system, clear a space, and dance away! It went down really well in a recent club set I played with it's glorious synths and beats.
Silence speaks but no one listens Communicate without a voice Without science or religion Silence offers you a choice
'On Other Oceans' is a feel good track, a track about seeing someone again someday, a farewell but not a goodbye. Which feels like quite a nice way to start to wrap up an album, like the feel good montage at the end of a movie.
'Frontier | + ||' is an inspiring and chilled listen, seeping notes and soundscape, prophetic lyrics, and a touch of trance with the later synths. This is a track that is 'Feel good for the soul' The last couple of minutes throw in a lot more instrumentation making for a powerful, and joyful conclusion to this great album.
Conclusion
VNV Nation have really painted a pristine cinematic album here. From the heart-rending 'Nothing More' which feels like a wonderful follow on to 'Illusion', to the club bangers of 'Silence Speaks' and 'By Your Side'; This album takes you on a truly significant journey and goes to show why VNV Nation have always been, and will always be loved with their top tier songs and talent.
A truly stunning album in every sense.
Thank you!
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