Futurepop was born in the 1990’s, and one of the most recognized names of this musical revolution is Germany based group VNV Nation. Having built a name for themselves globally with earth-shattering danceable synth melodies and powerful clean vocals, the group continues to make new and exciting music with their latest album Transnational released in 2013. After completing a successful part one of theTransnational Tour 2014 in April, part two took off in mid May and made a two night appearance at Bowery Ballroom in New York City May 10th and 11th. Treating “The City That Never Sleeps” to different set-lists each night, on Sunday May 11th, another packed house gathered to watch the group light up the stage.
Los Angeles, CA based Whiteqube started the night off with a bang. Formed in 2011 by friends Jason Schary and T. Ryan Arnold, in their time working together the two have created some throbbing electronic music. Taking influence from various forms of sythnpop and industrial acts like Nine Inch Nails, Kraftwerk, and Depeche Mode, the duo have made their own unique sound.
Full of energetic beats, the entire floor was moving and the audience was engaged from start to finish. Dressed in LED video embossed jackets, their stage show featured mesmerizing strobe effects enhancing the overall experience of the music. The set was over in a flash of light raising interest and leaving the audience wanting more. With this being their first US tour, the energy levels were elevated all performance long and Whiteqube provided an excellent introduction for the rest of the evening. The group is always working on new music so keep your ears open for future releases.
After a short intermission the packed out Bowery Ballroom were ready for VNV Nation. Many of those in the room traveled long distances to be at this show and made efforts to attend both performances at Bowery Ballroom. VNV Nation’s music transcends the electronic scene and it was never more evident than the diverse mix of the people in the room ranging from die-hard EMB/industrial fans to metal and rock fans.
Opening with new track “Retaliate”, the room was ready to explode with excitement as fans shouted and danced along. Vocalist Ronan Harris was as intense as ever and completely enthralled in the performance; singing strongly and in-sync with the mood of the crowd while enticing, engaging, and inviting everyone to participate. Songs like “Tomorrow Never Comes” and “Chrome” sent shock waves through the floor as Mark Jackson’s beats and keyboard sounded crisp and full of punch.
With this being the final night of two in NYC, Harris picked out familiar faces in the audience from the night prior, making everyone smile and having a spectacular time. Harris’ attentiveness to the audience, and the actions carried out by everyone in the room, merely added to the excitement and adrenaline of the entire show. It is seldom to see a performer as impassioned as Harris, and in moments like these you realize why VNV Nation is one of the classiest groups of the genre.
Showing the more emotional side of their sound, “Holding On” resonated through the air with all eyes on the stage as Harris sang each word passionately. Other tracks like “Space and Time”, “In Defiance”, “The Great Divide”, and “Standing (Motion)” were a few of the surprises sprinkled in throughout the set. As the first act closed with “Resolution”, Bowery Ballroom instantly echoed with the chants of “VNV”. Dedicated to providing their fans with the best possible show, the group came back out for two amazing encores highlighted by “Illusion”, “Control”, and the unforgettable closing of “Electronaut”.
After years of touring the world, VNV Nation never seems to put on a dull show. It would be easy for them to mail it in and play the same set-list show after show, but their attention to detail is impeccable with new and fresh songs each and every night. Their undying affection for their fans is visually clear by the overall joy they express while on stage, reaching out and touching each person on the floor. NYC was extremely grateful to have hosted two nights of VNV Nation’s Transnational Tour 2014 and hope to see the guys back around again very soon.
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