ALBUM REVIEW: Victim Of A Modern Age – Modern Error
Victim Of A Modern Age exists within a universe of its own creation; familiar yet exhilaratingly fresh, MODERN ERROR have crafted a musical realm that oozes sophistication. Refusing to confine themselves to the constraints of post-hardcore, the duo have thrown out the rule book – opting instead for a sound that’s impossibly diverse and masterfully polished. Pivoting between ethereal soundscapes and violent distortion, this is a debut that is driven by the pressures of sonic and technological conflict. Victim Of A Modern Age is formidable in every way – and it’s sure to have you captivated from start to finish.
Opening track [I] Modern Age perfectly eases you into MODERN ERROR’s liminal world. The track takes its time to unfold – allowing the rich layers of synths to build before breaking into an euphoric burst of wonder. This effortlessly leads into Error Of The World, a track that only enhances the ethereal charm, drawing you into an endless pit of echoing vocals and angelic, choir-like cries. The track’s magnitude is fierce enough to be an album closer, opening the album on a brazenly bold note – and a surefire sign of even greater tracks to follow.
The structuring of this album is equally as bold; split into separate Oeuvres, the album shifts from a sense of technological disillusionment to that of self-discovery. This is reflected in the instrumentals, most significantly when transitioning from the stripped back, reverb-heavy Lull before crashing into the no-man’s-land of [II] Human Error. The tonal and textural shift is immediate, quickly dropping the light and airy façade and revealing the dark underbelly of the record with its pulsating synths and tense drumbeat.
MODERN ERROR’s ability to shift between light and dark soundscapes is undoubtedly what makes Victim Of A Modern Age so exciting. Feels Like Violence, with its aggressive bravado and pounding drums, is seamlessly able to shift into moments of dark wave synths. The Truest Blue also grows in intensity repeatedly, gorgeous instrumentals and pained screams building and building before dropping back down to a sterile, robotic drum machine beat. The conflicting textures keep you on your toes – a sensation that truly comes to a head in It’s Just A Feeling.
It’s Just A Feeling is undoubtedly a stand-out, an onslaught of pure noise and carnal energy. The track is a constant back and forth, interspersed with bursts of gritty, blaring sound – before entirely stripping back to just Zak Pinchin’s charged whispers of “it’s just a feeling, it’s just a feeling” – then crashing back into action once again. The track drags you down, before leaving you suspended in mid-air, bewildered. The entire experience is a visceral, exhilarating delight.
Speaking of vocals, Zak’s vocals flawlessly compliment the gorgeous soundscapes crafted by his brother Kel. Ranging from unhinged, pained howls to spine-tinglingly intoxicating croons, Zak‘s vocal range is a delight. Tracks like the stingingly raw Curtain Call are driven by his emotive performance, while the hypnotically ambient Euphoria / Visions of Ecstasy is equally as mesmerising. Every track only emphasises the Pinchin brothers’ collective talent, further proof of how diverse both the vocal and soundscaping abilities of the pair truly are.
Rather than being a Victim Of The Modern Age, MODERN ERROR have instead crafted a glorious debut that is both visually and sonically captivating. There is a measured intensity throughout, hooking you into the narrative as it unfolds track by track. Every element – from the synthwave to the industrial rock – feels polished and, quite frankly, remarkable for a debut full-length.
Rating: 9/10
Victim Of A Modern Age is set for release on January 21st via Rude Records.
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