MOVMENT

Irish rock/dark-wave group Movment return with a new album, “Transformation”, following on from lead singles “Propaganda” and “Leave Me Alone.” Martin Kelly (vocals, drums) and Kevin Kelly (guitars, bass, keyboards, synths, programming) take a serious approach to their music. About this new album they state: "There is a divergence in society. We are bombarded with information, opinions, viewpoints, and words. We drown in ideas, in solutions, in propaganda. There needs to be a transformation from where we are now.”

Musically, Movment naturally incline towards a dark, electronic/post-punk sound. A slow-burning, dramatic energy runs through this set, beginning with the circling, synth-heavy “Propaganda,” which boils nicely. Fans of classic 80s dark/electro acts such as Gary Numan will find much to enjoy here, though Movment succeed in defining a sound of their own. “We All Must Go” struts and creeps, with some fine electric guitar riffs and thumping percussion. Lyrically, Movment explore grand themes of humanity through a darkened lens. This is not to say that Movment are nihilistic in tone – rather they are realists – a fine but important difference.

“Late At Night” buzzes and burns, an edgy, neon-tinged beast stalking the night-time urban landscape. “Blood Like Water” adds a repeating keyboard motif, around which voices call like beacons through the mist. The shuffling, jumping “I Can See” does a fine job of showcasing the deceptively-simplistic melodies at the heart of these tracks. There's something subtly hypnotic about the music of Movment. Their insistent, druggish beats, looping synths and swirling guitars do a fine job of summoning up a particular feel. It may take time for their druggish, monochrome soundscapes to grab a hold, but chances are that they will.

Chris WHEATLEY
18/12/2021