LV-426 - Shadow Runner (FVLL MTL JCKT)

LV-426 is a relatively new synthwave and metal hybrid project whose first release stems back to May of 2018. Their debut EP "Acheron" hit the digital market and was subsequently followed up by the double "Shadow Run" in April of 2020. While their debut showed an inclination for synth-based music, it was on "Shadow Run" that LV-426 showed their interest in moving into decidedly heavier synthwave territory. Their next release, "Worldwide Lockdown", was a three track EP focusing on heavy beats while maintaining true to synth-based music. Only a month after the EP, LV-426's biggest hit-to-date was released: their debut album "Shadow Runner". The twelve track album contains a couple of previously released songs as well as a slew of new tracks. After a couple of other singles, LV-426 jumped into cyber metal territory with "Shadow Runner (FVLL MTL JCKT)". 



"Shadow Runner (FVLL MTL JCKT)" is a four track EP that reimagines songs from their debut album as cyber metal tracks. They are completely torn apart and replaced with heavy guitars, digitalized growls, and other such trends of the genre. And, well, the result is not so pleasant. LV-426's electronic work with "Shadow Runner" showed a music enthusiast who was becoming comfortable with their beats and synths; they were not perfect but they were showing skill. LV-426 did an about face on what was making them known and tried something new. This is respectable but it was not done correctly. 

The problem begins as soon as 'System Collapse (Full Metal Jacket)' starts. The production (and this quality retains itself on the rest of the EP) on the first song is muddy and left me desiring something a bit more clean. While the raw aesthetics can work in some cases, here it sounds as if every instrument is blurring into nonsense. The intro of the song, however, does kick off with a decent electronic guitar solo. This shows that there is talent within the band but they need to get into a studio and hire an engineer to help them produce better material. 

The last song on the album doesn't necessarily sound like a song, but it rather falls under the genre of noise. This is because it failed at establishing a rhythm or beat or song structure as the original did. Even the vocals fell amidst the sonic blasts and I was hard-pressed at points to tell whether or not I was hearing distorted lyrics. I think the best song on the EP comes from 'Shadowrun (Full Metal Jacket)'. The guitars actually pop through most of the song and I was able to tell pick the percussion apart. Still, it was not something I would sit through again. 

After listening to the EP on repeat throughout the past couple of days, I simply cannot recommend this work to anyone. If I had to pick something from LV-426's discography to showcase, I would go back to their debut album "Shadow Runner". This is not to say that LV-426 should quit in the current direction they're heading. This is me saying that if cyber-metal is their desired path, then they need to focus on production. A cleaner and crisper sound would be a start followed-up by songs that have a strong base-structure. Unfortunately for myself and other fans of LV-426 who come from "Shadow Runner", the "FVLL MTL JCKT" re-imagining left me feeling disappointed. 

This review was commissioned through our Ko-fi page.
Feb 12 2021