Review: Ventenner – Indivia
Is it really three years since Ventenner released ‘Distorture’? Evidently so, but good things come to those who wait, with any luck. ‘Distorture’ was a quality affair and one that I enjoyed. The industrial influences were clearly on display but Ventenner summed them and presented a moody electronic rock album all of their own. So, three years on in 2017, what’s the game?
The first thing to be apparent is that this is most certainly a rock album, not ‘electronic rock’, just rock with a capital R. It is heavy, the guitars sound massive and the electronics, while present, have taken much more of a back seat. Evolution, humankind invented the axe and all was good…
Opener ‘The Start Is The End’ thankfully is not literal. It is driven by stomp and swagger of the kind that Rob Zombie has managed so well. Progressing through tracks like ‘Break In Two’, ‘Saliga’ and ‘Enemy’ all batter and bruise with a steady and assured certainty. Musically I detect nods to Filter, Orgy and perhaps even the post grunge of Alice In Chains. This stuff is as moody as fuck and has big hairy balls.
‘Be Still’ reintroduces a more significant electronic element but this is soon bullied into submission by the muscular gristly rock vibe evident throughout this album. Album highlight for me is ‘Circle’ that has a massive rusty hook and a pained howl that Will Haven or an angrier Deftones would have been proud of.
This stuff is as moody as fuck and has big hairy balls.
The album contains no filler at all if you’re even only a passing fan of quality alternative rock. ‘Bruxism’ provides a slightly more introspective feel though a ballad it ain’t. ‘Anamnesis’ is an also ran for album highlight with a Stabbing Westward-esque progression that is admirable and enjoyable. ‘Omega’ draws things to a close with just a little more breathing room given to some atmospheric electronics between the walls of gnarly alternative angst.
This is a solid album. In more ways than one. Solid in terms of song writing and production, and also solid like that tackle from a surprisingly dense rugby player. It has an undeniable impact that fans of the aforementioned bands should lap up. Personally I miss the stronger electronic elements of this albums predecessor but ultimately I would have to embrace the fact that ‘Invidia’ is a stronger album. There’s a tasty coloured vinyl option for you wax heads too.
8/10
For fans of Deftones, Will Haven, Filter, Rob Zombie, Stabbing Westward.
Review by John E Smoke
