Video Vision - Modern Horror (2024)

“Modern Horror” is the 3rd LP from up-and-coming post-punk band Vision Video that seeks to dive headlong into the viscera of atrocity that we see in our modern world. The Athens, Georgia based band leans into frontman Dusty Gannon’s experiences as both an anti-war Afghanistan veteran and former firefighter-paramedic to draw attention to the systematic disenfranchisement and seeming hopelessness of our current world circumstances. Modern Horror goes to much darker and acidic places than the band’s previous releases. It is an unrelenting exposition on the real-world horrors faced by all of us, and stands as a warning against further war and brutality. The record is a clear and present form of sonic protest against Christo-Fascism in America.

Moving in a very different sonic direction, the band recorded the album with Grammy Award-winning producer Ben Allen (Erasure, Washed Out, Animal Collective) at Maze Studios in Atlanta. Modern Horror presents a larger, more refined sound than ever heard before with Vision Video, but maintains its grit under the nails. The album is charged with anger and frustration, but does not lose its sense of direction or its listenability. The guitar work is fierce and dissonant, but still melodic. Vocally and lyrically Gannon belts and cries out in a pleading, yet controlled manner. Newcomer to the band, Ryan Houchens’ drumming gives new energy to the band with a keen sense of ferocity. Emily Fredock, utilizing vintage synths, creates gorgeous and haunting melodies that remain in your head well after the record stops. As a final nod to its high quality, the album was mastered by Frank Arkwright (Joy Division, Bloc Party, Johnny Marr) at Abbey Road Studios in London.