Post-punk come Gothic rock was pretty well established in the early to mid-eighties with bands such as Sisters of Mercy, The Danse Society and to a lesser extent Siouxsie and the Banshees, Bauhaus, Play Dead, Skeletal Family and Gene Loves Jezebel all touring the UK. Another band that formed at the start of that decade and quickly gained a healthy following were The March Violets. They shone brightly for six years before breaking up, but after a brief re-union in 2007, reformed in 2010 and release their latest album `Crocodile Promises` this month. These days the band are comprised of original members Rosie Garland (vocals) and Tom Ashton (guitar) and are joined by Mat Thorpe (bass, vocals).
The album opens with `Hammer the Last Nail` of which Garland states: “There’s no time like now to break free of gaslighting; no time like now to untangle from toxic people. The March Violets are set to Hammer the Last Nail into damaging relationships that keep us in prison.” Although it`s a difficult subject the content is shared over a dreamy enticing sound with some delightful shimmering guitar riffs, and it felt as if the band had never been away. We enjoy in `Bite the Hand` a track that refers to being ungrateful to somebody who has supported or helped you. It`s a more powerful offering, not aggressive but certainly is one to sink one`s teeth into.
`Virgin Sheep` may be a metaphor for something deeper as Rosie Garland these days is a novelist and poet. The number itself is more of a rock out with some wonderfully heavy bass lines, hand tapped percussion and vocals that are whispered at times. Again `Kraken Awakes` may hint towards something more complex than a sea monster or crypto currency possibly dishonesty and deceit. A slow burn that almost glistens.
I read that `Mortality` is a track that was recorded previously but never released, which I not quite convinced about, nevertheless it blends perfectly with the newer tracks. There was a kind of illusory or dreamlike texture to `World Away from Kind` a number that i`m sure will have the faithful on friend’s shoulders with arms held aloft in a live setting.
`Crocodile Teeth` are designed to penetrate and hold rather than cut and chew so maybe this number is an allegory as to false or controlling relationships. It`s a fairly fast paced submission with complementary backing melodies / vocals and some glimmering riffs. I found myself drawn into `Heading for the Fire` and kind of drifting off into thoughts of my own. There`s a brief guitar solo just after the midway point and vocals that for me were charmingly compelling.
We are led out of this release with `This Way Out` which has a weightier sound and becomes fairly hypnotic as it evolves with its thumping, pulsing, and pounding beat.
I was really surprised that `Crocodile Promises` was only The March Violets third studio album release but have to say it`s an album that i`m sure long-standing followers will enjoy and will probably gain some newer listeners and admirers to their timeless sound.
The trio head out on a brief tour this week in support of said release prior to an extensive tour of North America, a show that would be worth catching if it reaches your town or city.
Rating 8.5 / 10
