Pure Reason Revolution "Amor Vincit Omnia" (2009)

Amor Vincit Omnia

1. Les Malheurs
2. Victorious Cupid
3. i) Keep Me Sane/Insane
4. ii) Apogee
iii) Requiem for the Lovers
5. Deus Ex Machina
6. Bloodless
7. Disconnect
8. The Gloaming
9. AVO

I've been playing the new disc, AVO, for about a month now and while I question it's long-term value compared to "The Dark Third," it's definitely an album I've enjoyed the more I hear it. Maybe more of a *grower* than TDT certainly.

Within the large emphasis of electronica, there still is a lot of the familiar PRR sound, at least I have noticed. The vocal arrangements (multi-part harmonies). And it flows pretty well much like TDT.

The 2 pieces most familiar "Victorious Cupid" and "Deus Ex Machina" are probably still my favorite parts of AVO, but "The Gloaming" and "Apogee" for example, have some wonderful sections to them. "Bloodless" as well, is a pretty ballad, somewhat in the vein of "Bullits Dominae" or "The Exact Colour."

"Disconnect" is perhaps the 1 track that a lot of fans will not care-for. I've grown to like it, but it's still the weakest part of AVO.

The title track or "AVO" is wonderful and I think works incredibly well to finish this album. The vocal arrangement is classic-PRR to me.

I also think it's a good thing they did not make TDT part 2, because they seem to want to "progress" of course, and while I suppose they didn't have to necessarily change this far into the electronic or trip-hop vein, say opposed to some other area. I think they pull it off for the most part.

Many people have already expressed both sides of where AVO has them going. Some pretty much have said this new stuff sucks and they lost what they had with their debut album. But some others are like myself, very pleasantly surprised how well they pulled off merging much of their sound and songwriting approach with a twist of electronica. I suppose it may come down to if you like, can tolerate, or dislike electronic music. Or if it may grow on you enough.

83/100 and currently #2 on my 2009 Albums of the Year Race