VNV Nation

VNV Nation definitely knows how to put on a good show. Even in festival performances where sometimes bands hold back a little, they start off with a slow intro and some great lighting and effects. Once the music kicks into full gear, you can really the energy of the whole crowd and band combine, making for an awesome effect.

A lot of people were waving “lighters” (aka cell phones and glowsticks), which further added to the serene yet emotional experience. The perfect mix of the synth noises with the strong beats and soothing vocals really stood out even more in the live performance than any recording can accomplish.

The whole thing just felt surreal and every minute of it was enjoyable, it felt like a dream world that had me hooked from the start. It was really easy to appreciate that they were there for the fans and giving it their all, not just going through the motions to collect money and sell product.

They definitely played up the crowd between songs, but it almost was not even necessary because everyone was so into the music that the energy level never dropped. Ronan Harris, the lead singer, was definitely the star of the show and it was a pleasure to see him in person.

I was fortunate to see IAMX on their brief Pledgemusic-funded tour of the US. If you get a chance, you absolutely should, especially as Chris Corner's struggles with health, mental and physical, have made such things rarer now than they used to be. (I'm going to say "they", although it's Chris Corner's brainchild, because Janine Gezang and Alberto Alvarez, as well as new member Sammi Doll, are essential parts of the live experience.) IAMX is best described as dark electronica, but there's a wide range of musical and artistic influence, from cabaret to orchestral and sometimes purely visual and sensory inspiration. The lyrics of their songs don't shy away from hard topics. Sex, politics, drug use, abuse, the music industry; overwhelming anxiety and ego-shattering love: it's cathartic and unguarded and honest.
The music is great just to listen to, but in person, in a fairly intimate venue, the experience is like the difference between your first kiss and the most mindblowing intimate encounter of your life. Both are great, but in different galaxies. Chris & co completely cast a spell on the audience, aided by amazing costuming and lighting, and the energy in the room was palpable. There's a lot of fan interaction, touching and inviting the front rows to interact. I remember feeling transported, as if this was not quite a human encounter. The music does not lose anything (and might gain something) for being performed live, and the stage presence of everyone in the band as well as their interactions with each other is completely compelling. I don't have a single regret about the show. IAMX definitely explores their own catalogue as well: I was thrilled to hear quite a bit of the new album, but some of my favorites from older records were played as well.
Amazingly, this show took place during some of the most hellish weeks of Chris's recent health problems. It may take some waiting (though Chris is performing on StageIt over the next few months with awesome acoustic shows that walk through the older albums -- I totally recommend the online experience) but IAMX should not be missed, especially in a small venue.