Niki N. Phaser

Apoptygma Berzerk, a Norwegian futurepop band, has tackled mainstream success, especially with their 2005 album You and Me Against the World, but never quite make it in becoming a household name, other than in their own field. Their last album continues a more accessible sound, that distances them from the euro-futurepop scene which they practically help build in the 90′s. Released in January 2009, Rocket Science is probably one of the best albums to come out this year and also one of the most underestimated. It’s filled with powerful tracks, like Black vs. White, The State of Your Heart – Shit End of the Deal, Trash or Shadow. But, to respect the band’s choice, I’ll recommend for starters their first single off of Rocket Science, Apollo (Live On Your TV). If released by any mainstream band, this song would have most likely became one the biggest hits this year. The catchy keyboards and the energetic guitars would make anyone instantly start jogging. And smile while doing it. And when say ‘anyone’, I mean anyone, but old Apop fans, who are mostly disappointed with Stephan Groth’s new pop direction. Also, Good Charlotte fans should know that Benji Madden makes a vocal cameo on Apollo (Live On Your TV).

And P.S. Despite rumours, Stephan Groth is not Brian Molko’s older brother…

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR Apollo (Live On Your TV)

“Victory, not Vengeance” is the motto behind VNV Nation’s name, a British futurepop band that has been around for quite some time, now. Still, they are mainly a niche “product”, being highly respected in the world of electronica. Their 2007 album, Judgement, was more of an incursion in pop, than future. The results might have been a slight disappointment for their hardcore fans, but sure enough won them a bunch of new ones. And it’s no wonder, with a song like Illusion. There isn’t a lot in it that would make you guess VNV Nation as a trancey-electro band. It is, basically, a piano-driven ballad, that focuses lyrically on words of solace. It brings peace, but it also reminds of a former pain. The few piano keys composing the chorus hook will remain in your mind longer than many voices. Illusion reaches that special place that Depeche Mode seems to miss (if they are indeed trying to reach it), that balance between dark and moody and luminous sadness. As a bonus, you can also feast your ears on the instrumental Prelude, that opens Judgement. That, too, will find a cozy place in your memory and will not leave anytime soon.

LISTEN TO Illusion HERE