I was hooked on the first few bars of The Violet Burning's opening track from their CD Drop-Dead. Even though our boys in the band are American "Humm" has that mix of continental European and British sound to it. Lead vocalist Michael J. Pritzl's deep gritty voice grabs you by the ears. 

Each band or artist is unique but if you are looking for a reference point The Violet Burning musically is a hybrid of sounds. At times the trio reflects shades of The Smiths, Hundred Reasons, Mute Math, and Franz Ferdinand.

With deep bass chords resonating throughout "Do You Love Me" and Pritzl transitioning between crisp vocals and screams there is no danger of the listener mistaking this for anything other than a rock record.

Whether Pritzl the primary songwriter is using allegory as he does with "Humm" or utilizing liberal doses of metaphor as in "Swan Sea" he proves he is a superb modern day poet. "Swan Sea" is a gentle rock tune that begs for relief from emotional pain. 

Josiah Sherman shines on moog bass especially on the quirky "Eleanor." There are plenty of special effects and distortion but it is applied with good taste and not 'just because'. 

As much as The Violet Burning is a trio of rockers they create some breathless emotive tracks. "Blown Away" and "The Ends Begin" are two of the more beautiful songs that you will hear in 2006. The aforementioned two tunes combined with "More" and "Eleanor" take us on a journey through the many moods of love and longing for love.

Northern Records is carving out a name for itself as a label that attracts artists who color outside the lines. The label has assembled a stable of artists which includes Luxury and Kevin Max. 

Despite the fact these guys hail from Southern California if you enjoy a moodier British or European flavor to your music then you might want to add Drop-Dead to your CD collection. You won't be disappointed. 

The Violet Burning have toured North America and Europe extensively. Since 1990's album Chosen they have created eight additional full length CDs and two EPs. If Drop-Dead is any indication just like a fine wine they are getting better with age. 

By Joe Montague, exclusive rights reserved

Joe Montague is an internationally published journalist / photographer. His ministry is dedicated to the memory of his late son Kent David Montague who went to heaven at the age of 18. All copyright and distribution rights remain the property of Joe Montague.