There are times the line between tribute and imitation is a blurry place. Depending on my mood, I might interpret music as one or the other. Then further depending on my mood, I might either be annoyed or pleasantly surprised by what is clearly imitation. But I also know all new music is just re-purposed old music. Anybody telling you anything different must be a fan of the band I will no longer name. Music reviewing is so subjective it’s impossible not think of that time you first heard that sound. It’s not really about how original the sound is as much as it’s how fresh is the artist’s interpretation. (Trivium take note.)

Upon hearing the very first distorted syth note from Intervurt’s Union I flushed with concern. The opening song, “Suffering”, opens almost exactly the same as Depeche Mode’s “A Pain That I’m Used To” from their 2005 release, Playing the Angel. Obviously the title of both songs reveal they are lyrically similar. As a reviewer for a mega-music conglomerate like The NewReview, I have to be sure I’m right, so I played both songs back-to-back repeatedly until I had no option but to call the suicide hotline after suffering through so much of a pain that I’m used to. Fortunately, “Suffering” is a catchy tune that straddles that line between imitation and tribute successfully.

And so goes the rest of Union. Obviously heavily influenced by Depeche Mode, New Order, and The Killers, Intervurt’s Union is a collection of emo sythpop songs of surprisingly good quality. Some songs, like “Union Square” and “Scars and Stripes” are truly great. “Merla” is probably the best song on the album with a chorus written specifically to be your worst ear-worm nightmare.

After multiple listens, I’m also convinced Intervurt’s members are fans of Pushmonkey. “Chain Reaction” could easily fit in Pushmonkey’s classic self-titled CD right after “Lefty”. Yes, this is both obscure and wonderful.

I don’t think there’s a bad song in the lot. It’s obvious Intervurt can write addictive, listenable tracks. However, when listening through Union I do feel I’m listening to a Bush or Everclear album in that Intervurt has a template for song-writing and they follow it with little variation. Many of the songs share the same meter and a pool of hooks. This isn’t terrible, but like an Everclear album, Union may wear thin after multiple plays.

Intervurt is a band to watch. They have the potential to rocket where The Killers petered off. Hopefully they can demonstrate improved versatility in the future as well as continuing their penchant for pleasant surprises.

3.5/5