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REVIEWS
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Killing Ground
Fallen Hero
No Tomorrow
Friendly Fire
Navigator
House of Sorrows
Thoughts of a Soldier
Stronghold
Starfighters
Reject
The End
Für Dich
Vorwärts!
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NEWS
- Funker Vogt to reissue concert film
- Funker Vogt release live album
- Thomas Kroll returns to Funker Vogt; new single, album coming
- Funker Vogt to film concert DVD
- Funker Vogt works on new album, DVD
REVIEWS
INTERVIEWS
Funker Vogt
Navigator
Metropolis Records
Posted: Friday, March 31, 2006
By: Vince Sander
By: Vince Sander
Funker Vogt inevitably sounds like Funker Vogt. They have a definitive aggressive EBM sound and the themes of war and suffering never change. Even the artwork is instantly identifiable. In many respects this has led fans and critics to conclude that the band has been in a creative rut. The leading assumption is that the German duo (formerly a trio) would have to do something drastically different in order to stay relevant. Navigator provides a solid test to that theory.
One look at the cover featuring a military submarine gives you the impression that little has changed. The song titles reaffirm that the war themes are back in full force. At first blush, all of the apparent sameness has me disappointed. However, the disappointment fades upon listening. Oddly enough, it isn’t that Funker Vogt has made any major changes to freshen things up. In fact, on the surface everything is pretty much the same. Why is it better then? Really it’s a testament to good songwriting and the implementation of strategic subtle changes. The formula hasn’t been overhauled, but for whatever the reason the writing is more inspired. Jens is no longer screaming at us or shouting orders like a drill sergeant; it actually seems like he’s singing and maybe even pouring his heart out. The musical structure is still linear and beat-heavy, but there’s more texture and superior layering when compared to past efforts. The least impressive track for me is the single “Fallen Hero,” which displays too little progress. The remaining tracks show a growth beneath the surface, especially the intimate “Reject,” and pounding “House of Sorrows.”
Maybe Funker Vogt didn’t throw it all away and start over, but they made some critical minor adjustments that add greatly to the power of their music. Sure it’ll take you all of a tenth of a second to recognize the familiar Funker Vogt sound, but I was impressed that this album shows development and avoided the obvious pitfalls. The lyrics and vocals may be the area of greatest growth with the musical doing just enough to stay interesting and keep the dancefloor full. Probably not a Top 5 Album of the Year contender, but an important step in the right direction.
One look at the cover featuring a military submarine gives you the impression that little has changed. The song titles reaffirm that the war themes are back in full force. At first blush, all of the apparent sameness has me disappointed. However, the disappointment fades upon listening. Oddly enough, it isn’t that Funker Vogt has made any major changes to freshen things up. In fact, on the surface everything is pretty much the same. Why is it better then? Really it’s a testament to good songwriting and the implementation of strategic subtle changes. The formula hasn’t been overhauled, but for whatever the reason the writing is more inspired. Jens is no longer screaming at us or shouting orders like a drill sergeant; it actually seems like he’s singing and maybe even pouring his heart out. The musical structure is still linear and beat-heavy, but there’s more texture and superior layering when compared to past efforts. The least impressive track for me is the single “Fallen Hero,” which displays too little progress. The remaining tracks show a growth beneath the surface, especially the intimate “Reject,” and pounding “House of Sorrows.”
Maybe Funker Vogt didn’t throw it all away and start over, but they made some critical minor adjustments that add greatly to the power of their music. Sure it’ll take you all of a tenth of a second to recognize the familiar Funker Vogt sound, but I was impressed that this album shows development and avoided the obvious pitfalls. The lyrics and vocals may be the area of greatest growth with the musical doing just enough to stay interesting and keep the dancefloor full. Probably not a Top 5 Album of the Year contender, but an important step in the right direction.
