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[Review] VNV Nation ‘Automatic’

Published

15 years ago

on

I’ve made no attempt to hide my love of VNV Nation. As much as I’m a metal head, I love some good electronica, industrial, EBM, and dark wave. So when Automatic, the new VNV album, was announced, I immediately felt my ears perk and my focus shift. After all, I’ve been listening to this group for years, so a new album is always an exciting moment. But does Automatic hold up? Check after the jump for the answer.

VNV Nation - Automatic

The album kicks off with On-Air, an eerily beautiful instrumental track layered on top of radio/TV static. Sounding like something that would come off a Silent Hill soundtrack, I was already hooked and anticipating each coming track. This paid off immediately with the next track, Space And Time, a mid-tempo track that got my feet tapping and my head bobbing along. 
The production is fantastic. The bass thumps right where it needs to while sparkling synths fill in the top end beautifully. Each song makes use of new patches, pads, and tones, making this an album that audiophiles will love. Singer Ronan Harris mixes himself in perfectly, adding echo and reverb to his voice only when needed and when it serves a purpose. 
Automatic has something for everyone when it comes to electronic and industrial. Control is a hard-hitting track that I guarantee will be remixed and blasted at Factory Monday at Club Necto (my local dance club) in no time. Then, tracks like Goodbye 20th Century or Photon are lush instrumentals, the former being more mellow while the latter is more driving. 
The Final Word: Everything you could expect and want from a VNV Nation album and more, Automatic is beautiful, violent, sublime, fierce, and never once holds back. Perfect for club music or a night at home, I’ll be listening to this album for quite a while.
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Music

‘It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown’ Celebrates 60 Years with Limited Zoetrope Vinyl Release

Published

1 week ago

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June 10, 2026

By

A Halloween classic turns 60 this October, and Craft Recordings is celebrating with a special limited edition vinyl release for Peanuts special “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

Arriving August 7 and available to pre-order today, this anniversary reissue comes pressed on an eye-catching 45 RPM zoetrope LP, featuring memorable scenes from the special on each side, plus a new essay from Sean Mendelson.

Get a peek at the cool new release below.

The release features Vince Guaraldi‘s jazzy score, including favorites like “The Great Pumpkin Waltz,” “Graveyard Theme,” and, of course, the iconic “Linus and Lucy.”

After its first official release in 2018 and rerelease upon the discovery of the original master tapes in 2022, the soundtrack returns to vinyl in its entirety, alongside a selection of rare outtakes.

If the zoetrope LP isn’t enticing enough, look for a variety of limited-edition Halloween treats that can be found at exclusive retail partners, including an Orange 4-inch Tiny Vinyl (Target) available starting July 17, featuring “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” on Side A and “Graveyard Theme” on Side B. Pumpkin-shaped pressings will also be available in exclusive colorways from August 21st, including Electric Pumpkin Patch (Barnes & Noble), Pumpkin Spice (Walmart), Ghost White (Target), and Candy Corn (Craft Recordings). Additionally, the Orange Pumpkin pressing will be back by popular demand at all major retailers.

In the 1966 animated special, the Peanuts gang celebrates Halloween. Linus hopes that he will finally be visited by The Great Pumpkin, while Charlie Brown is invited to a Halloween party.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown tracklist:

Side A:

1. Linus and Lucy

2. Graveyard Theme

3. Snoopy and the Leaf/Frieda (With the Naturally Curly Hair)

4. The Great Pumpkin Waltz

5. Linus and Lucy (Reprise)

6. Charlie Brown Theme/Charlie Brown Theme (Minor Theme)/Graveyard Theme (Reprise)

7. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (Reprise)

8. The Red Baron/Military Drum March

9. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (2nd Reprise)/The Great Pumpkin Waltz (3rd Reprise)

10. Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (2nd Reprise)

11. Fanfare/Breathless/Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (3rd Reprise)

12. Charlie Brown Theme (Reprise)

 

Side B:

1. Breathless (2nd Reprise)

2. It’s a Long Way to Tipperary/There’s a Long, Long Trail A-Winding/Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag/Roses of Picardy

3. Graveyard Theme (Trick or Treat) (4th Reprise)

4. Linus and Lucy (2nd Reprise)/Linus and Lucy (3rd Reprise)

5. Charlie Brown Theme (2nd Reprise)

6. Linus and Lucy (Alternate Take 1)

7. Graveyard Theme (Alternate Take 1)

8. Charlie Brown Theme (Alternate Reprise Take 1)

9. Linus and Lucy (Alternate Take 2)

10. The Great Pumpkin Waltz (Alternate Reprise Take 2)

 

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