With great cinematic depth, Starset create in-depth audio sequences that takes the listener through an array of atmospheres in each individual track. With the release of their new deluxe release ‘Vessels 2.0’, how does their one recreated track live up to its previous counterpart?
Listening from a new, outside perspective, ‘Bringing It Down’ and ‘Bringing It Down 2.0’ sound very similar in their depth of vocals, instrumentation and cinematic depth, but it’s the subtle edge the new track brings that pushes these layers further. An impressive fete from the band is their ability to change the atmosphere of the track by altering the 12 second pre-chorus’ and minor tweaks in the underlayers of the tracks. In its originality, ‘Bringing It Down’ follows an upbeat rhythm and tone, something fast and dramatic whereas in 2.0, the shift is that of something darker, heavier and more layered than before. Subtracting the upbeat, more synth-oriented samples and instead leaving a stripped back simplicity already instantly changes the track, but it’s the addition of the strings Starset use through their music that truly adds a new persona. Other than a few minor string additions, some production editing and clearer vocals, there is little that has been changed. However, it’s the way in which this has been done which is perhaps the most intriguing and effective. Creatively portraying two different atmospheric approaches in the two tracks is a clever direction to go. Was a second version of ‘Bringing It Down’ necessary? Probably not, but alongside a deluxe release, it fits in rather well.
As for the music video, Starset are no strangers to creating stories. With a visual novel released and award-winning videos for other album tracks, its no surprise that ‘Bringing It Down 2.0’ is an audio-visual story written by frontman Dustin Bates. Being set in such a style is different to how their usual videos are presented. Offering audiences a warning to the misuse of technology and a doomed society, instead we are given a simplistic yet dramatic action ‘boy saves girl’ narrative (with a twist). Of course, while the story does stray from the path of their previous visuals, the classic message of the ‘Starset Society’ still reigns true – even if subtly. The story doesn’t just revolve around the saving of the ‘heroine’, instead looks at the how future technological advances such as memory infiltration devices can be turned against us. Yet, even in subtle ways the message is spread, such as the holographic figures on gravestones (a possible link to the tracks lyrical aspect) always presenting an aspect of you through death.
In terms of cinematography, lighting and editing sequences, the video fits perfectly with the music it follows. Directed and edited by Brian Cox the video offers a clear homage to a gothic horror/action mystery crossover. From external establishing shots of gothic literature styled castles to Dutch angled mid-shots presenting a homage to ‘Frankenstein’, the video is very well presented in an ominous, gothic fashion with a modernised twist.
For a new and improved re-release, Starset have done a rather impressive job. As previously stated, not incredibly necessary, but a nice addition among the other reimagined acoustics/remixes of the ‘Vessels 2.0’ release.
Rating: 9/10
EUPHORIA OF BREAKDOWN 