Artist: Vuneny
Label: Jarring Effects
Release: 2008
Rating: 4/5
The Bosnian outfit Vuneny is surely no stranger to Slovenia by now: they’ve played here before and, until recently, put out their albums on Moonlee, which still handles distribution of their music in Slovenia. Their second album V2 came out in 2006 (review HERE), and in 2008 they dropped their third, Whatever Singularity, on the French label Jarring Effects.
After V2 there were a few changes in the lineup, as Asmir Šabić announced his departure, leaving just two members in Vuneny. They flesh out their sound with guests, this time even more than ever before.
Sonically, not much has changed with Vuneny. It’s still hypnotic electronica with plenty of rock elements mixed in. The duo especially flirts with post rock, which is actually pretty close to electronica, at least when it comes to those hypnotic melodies that take a long time to build. These two still know how to build their music, full of dips and peaks. Much like in post rock, a lot of the tracks start off slow and then follow a gradual crescendo up to the climax. They simply carry on with their own particular style, which you could almost call “music for movies,” and they don’t really surprise you with anything.
Whatever Singularity is predictable, sure, but it’s still a solidly good record from the Bosnian electronic gurus. There are loads of great melodies that suck you right in. Rock fans might be put off by the slightly-too-synthetic electronic sound, but the guitar from Ćišić and the violins, which are used quite often, balance things out nicely and at times even add a touch of classical flavor.
Whatever Singularity doesn’t bring anything groundbreaking from Vuneny. All the old tricks are in play, but none of them feel worn out. These two guys know how to squeeze every last drop out of their potential. The album admittedly sounds a lot like their earlier stuff, but the addition of violin does freshen up the overall picture a bit. Definitely recommended for fans of the more experimental side of rock, especially those of you who swear by the occasional post rock session.
Line-up
Andrijan Zovko – keyboards, programming, sound effects
Nedim Ćišić – guitar, effects
Guests: Eric Aldea – vocals, Marilou Di Vita – vocals, Caroline Cuzin – violin
Production
Vuneny
Track list
1. Intro/Uncertainty Of Signs (3:24)
2. Define Violence II (4:50)
3. Get Me A Horse (And I’ll Bring You A Musicbox) (5:47)
4. Re: How We Were Connected (8:06)
5. Loving Calm Of Your Arms (4:20)
6. Fate Of Outer Planets (6:45)
7. We Gave Vasko Away, And The Plant Is Male (5:59)
8. Hold That Thought (3:49)
9. Some Savage Animal, A Local Feud Or An Avalanche (1:18)
10. Whatever Singularity (4:18)
11. Partizanska (7:20)
