Description
The self-titled and third album by the American alternative rock band The Violet Burning was released on Domo Records in 1996. The album was recorded June and July 1995 by Bryan Carlstrom at Eldorado Recording Studios in Hollywood, California; with band leader Michael J. Pritzl and Steve Hindalong of The Choir fame producing. Mixed by Pritzl and Chris Colbert of Breakfast With Amy, Fluffy, and Duraluxe fame at Mad Hatter Studios in Los Angeles, California.
On this, their third full-length and most widely distributed domestic release, Violet Burning expanded their sound to an almost epic alternative scope with sweeping soundscapes and intensely personal lyrics. Joining band leader, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Michael Pritzl on this 1996 self-titled Domo Records release are guitarist Jef Schroeder, drummers Jeremy Wood and Lonny Tubbs, and bassist Jason Pickersgill. The most common comparisons of Smashing Pumpkins and Radiohead are certainly in order, as Violet Burning reaches for a dramatic, expansive pitch throughout its 12-song tracklist. Besides the more obvious influences, strains of the Flaming Lips and even Neil Young can be heard, especially on Pritzl’s vocal work in track like «Arabic Tremolo Radio» and «Blind». The sublime aching for spiritual release is quite palpable on these tracks and other standouts like the live favorite «Low» and the expansive «Waiting». Superior to previous releases, Violet Burning represents an leap in aural and musical abilities for Pritzl and company. [Jason Anderson, AMG]
I picked this one up in my favourite London Christian music store, having been very impressed by a track called «Low» on a US 1993 V/A compilation ‘Third Wave: Reality Rocks‘. The track appears again here newly recorded along with 11 others. The new line up, for a US secular indie label includes Prayer Chain guitarist Andy Prickett, and it’s not surprising that with PC producer Steve Hindalong helping Mike Pritzl to twiddle the knobs here, comparisons between this release and ‘Mercury‘ can be drawn. Other reference points are Smashing Pumpkins or Radiohead, inasmuch that they all share in common a brooding power which has almost as much in common with darker progressive rock as grunge. I wouldn’t say this album is catchy, but it is compelling, drawing you back repeatedly. The triple guitar line up makes for a dense tapestry of sound which reveals new textures with each play. This does make «Low» sound slightly bloated in comparison with the leaner original, however. I was given a copy of the Violet’s debut, ‘Chosen‘, after I bought this, and it’s difficult to believe they are not two entirely different groups. From a brash band who pioneered alternative worship (actually more sub-metal than alternative), they have transformed into an outfit producing turbulent and occasionally disturbing rock. «Fever», in particular, with its self-censored “swearing”, is likely to provoke cries of backsliding and compromise. However, look elsewhere and songs like «Goldmine», «Eleven» and others hark towards God. Given that in «Arabic Tremolo Radio», Michael sings “Baby, don’t let go/ Spirit, don’t let go”, even the apparent girl/boy songs suggest underlying symbolism. [James Lewis, Cross Rhythms, October 1996]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-violet-burning/155942851)
CD tracklist:
01. Crush – 6:28
02. Arabic Tremolo Radio – 4:52
03. Blind – 5:21
04. Fever – 4:19
05. The Sun And The Sky – 4:48
06. Underwater – 5:38
07. Low – 7:57
08. Silver – 4:38
09. Goldmine – 5:16
10. Waiting – 4:47
11. Eleven – 2:13
12. Feel – 8:38
Film Show (VHS VIDEO)
CREDITS. Produced by Michael J. Pritzl and Steve Hindalong. Recorded by Bryan Carlstrom in June and July 1995 at Eldorado Recording Studios, Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood. Mixed by Chris Colbert and Michael J. Pritzl at at Mad Hatter Studios. Mastered by George Marino at Sterling Sound, NYC. Arranged by The Violet Burning. Photography and Concept by Anna Cardenas. Layout and Design by Jason Pickersgill-71.
Musicians: Michael J. Pritzl (Vocals, Guitar, Six String Bass), Andy Prickett (Guitar, E-Bow, Backing Vocals), Jeff Schroeder (Guitar, E-Bow), Jason Pickersgill (Bass), Steve Hindalong (Shaker, Tambourine, Goblet Drum – Doumbek, Surdo, MJ Bells, Various Drums), Lonnie Tubbs (Additional Drums and Percussion).
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