by Steve Joyce
“Murmuration – a large group of birds, usually starlings, that all fly together and change direction together, or the act of birds doing this…starling murmurations are one of the most dazzling displays in the natural world.” (cambridge.org dictionary)
And so, “In Murmuration”, the ninth album from Finland’s self-proclaimed “progressive art rock band” Von Hertzen Brothers, is aptly named. It’s an album with musicians of evident telepathic musical chemistry, packed with dramatic yet seamless musical shifts that astonish, delight and satisfy the listener.
For the curious and uninitiated, VHB is a band that fuses the hard rock of Queens of the Stone Age with the bombastic theatrics of Muse, together with the pop-sensibility melodic brilliance of Neal Morse and the lush sonic soundscapes of Steven Wilson. Unafraid to proudly display their progressive rock influences, VHB’s cover of King Crimson’s “21st Century Schizoid Man” is monstrously epic and is a must-listen – look it up now!
All of these elements are features of “In Murmuration”, VHB’s follow up to 2022’s “Red Alert in the Blue Forest”. Described by the band as emerging from “a songwriting frenzy with a nice new vibe to it…we have been notorious for putting too many ideas in our songs but for this album, we wanted to keep it simple, punchy and rocking…the songs feel very fresh and fun.”
I couldn’t agree more! Album opener “The Relapse” would compare favourably with any of the aforementioned QOTSA’s strongest songs, or even groove-lords Masters of Reality at their most energetic – complete with added raucous sax solo! “A Good Life” is a radio-friendly anthem with a soaring, singable chorus.
“Starlings” is a high-energy rocker, guaranteed to get the blood coursing around the body. It’s the sort of song that might tempt the upper-middle-aged male members of a gig audience (such as this reviewer) to move beyond gentle foot-tapping and actually go wild, perhaps indulging in some low energy head-nodding. (I jest; this is an absolute stomper!)
“Ascension Day” has an outrageously catchy keyboard riff and is a perfectly paced feel-good banger. From the offbeat verses groove to the anthemic chorus and crowd chants, this is absolutely glorious.
“Beneath the Silver Stars” begins in a deceptively sparse way, but the listener is just being softened up for an exhilarating guitar solo and a lush, widescreen ending. “Tightrope Walker” is another invigorating rocker, with particularly fine drumming and some neat melodic flourishes.
“The Change” made an especially strong impact on me. Over a languid 6/8 groove, a feel that’s always effective at heightening the emotional intensity, is a stirring vocal and when this gives way to a heart-rending saxophone solo, it delivers an intense ‘goosebumps’ experience. It’s my favourite song on the album.
“Separation” is a short, atmospheric piano and voice song; the vocals cut through with crystal clarity here, as though Mikko Von Hertzen is in the room with you, baring his soul. “Snowstorm” is a masterclass in slow-build to an epic finish. And all of a sudden we arrive at majestic album closer “Wait For Me”. My goodness, VHB know how to craft an album! This is a completely beautiful song featuring another achingly poignant vocal.
As VHB approach their 25th anniversary, to deliver a ninth album of such quality is a tribute to their prodigious talents and a devoted following. In a genre replete with lengthy, dense and opaque records that take multiple listens to ‘click’, it’s refreshing to hear an album which through its 10 songs and 45 minutes, is great fun to listen to and immediately satisfying. Sonically fabulous too, there’s plenty of subtlety here to reveal more nuance every time you hear it.
This is an exciting album that will have you air drumming, air guitaring, singing your heart out and when private opportunities present themselves, bouncing around the room like a loon! It’s sure to stir your emotions; during its most touching moments, “In Murmuration” will bring a lump to the throat, but predominantly, this album will put a smile on your face and make you feel good.
Released on October 25th, 2024
Order here: https://von-hertzen-brothers.myshopify.com/en-us/collections/in-murmuration
Track listing:
1. The Relapse 05:30
2. A Good Life 03:32
3. Starlings 03:13
4. Ascension Day 05:07
5. Beneath The Silver Stars 05:13
6. Tightrope Walker 04:34
7. The Change 04:04
8. Separation 01:48
9. Snowstorm 06:19
10. Wait For Me 06:08
Von Hertzen Brothers are:
Mikko Von Hertzen – Vocals, guitar
Kie Von Hertzen – Guitar, vocals
Jonne Von Hertzen – Bass, keys, vocals
Sami Kuoppamäki – Drums
Markus Pajakkala – Keys, Sax, flute
