This is a great gig from the March Violets tour of the US in the autumn of last year. A great sounding recording sees the Leeds band run through a set covering their early 1980's career through to last year's new album, 'Crocodile Promises'. Thanks to the original Dime uploader, loughney.
That new album made it to number 22 in Vive Le Rock's albums of 2024 and rightly so.
Here's what they had to say.
THE MARCH VIOLETS
CROCODILE PROMISES
(Metropolis)
The re-blooming of goth legends. 9/10.
After a flurry of archive releases over the last few years and well-received live dates across the world Rosie Garland and Tom Ashton are back with Mark Three of The March Violets and a brand new album in the form of the immensely alluring 'Crocodile Promises'. Joined by Mat Thorpe, the trio has set about making an entirely classic album that carries on the original sound they created but progressing it a contemporary feel and approach. With a crystal-clear sound they present nine tracks that see them flaunting their recognised sound, so you instantly appreciate it whilst forming the familiarity of an old friend. Whilst comfortably sitting in the dark recesses of goth, the genre is celebrated and projected forward through every facet of the album. The vocal delivery from Rosie is unquestionably transcendental; it could be the '80s again with past glories revisited but it's also wonderfully presented comtemporary goth.
Opening with the shining 'Hammer In The Last Nail' the album is immediately accessible and enticing, with Rosie's vocals playfully delivering the lyrics whilst its jaunty, upbeat musical accompaniment throws down an atmosphere that off-plays the darkness and light that goth dancefloor fillers pulsate with. From there on in the album doesn't let up for a moment, displaying a band at the very top of their game and loving what they are doing. Play loud, play purple indeed.
Lee Powell.
Pretty good then, a nine out of ten review. But don't be deterred by the reference to goth. It was never a scene I went for (aside from that Siouxsie look!). I never had the hair for ir and one eyeliner pencil does not a goth make! Goth means to me the slightly ridiculous bass rumblings of the Sisters of Mercy or Fields of the Nephilim (one of the few bands I have walked out on), but this is something very different.
Having missed them in London last summer I hope that they keep up the momentum and play again in the UK in 2025. I'll backcomb some nasal hair for the occasion!
Artwork: https://we.tl/t-Yesgj0pyLs
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