Erasure
The Violet Flame

My expectations for this new Erasure album were certainly not very high, as my knowledge of Vince Clarke and Andy Bell's discography stops at the inconsistent "Nightbird" from 2005, after which one can easily predict a natural decline. However, the novelty effect, along with my appreciation and admiration for one of the most important and positive names in "commercial" pop (what an ugly word, but oh well...) of recent decades, pushed me to give "The Violet Flame" a listen, hoping for an album at least comparable to the excellent "Cowboy" from '97. My low profile approach was a perfectly accurate choice because it allowed me to appreciate as a pleasant surprise an album that, in another light, could easily be seen as business as usual for a duo with such a substantial history behind them. Nonetheless, I can confidently say that as of 2014, Erasure still holds their ground and have aged more than gracefully, and this is already a very important and by no means an easy achievement.

"The Violet Flame" burns with a gentle, steady, and pleasant warmth; the sound is fresh, engaging, and modern, a classic synth-pop polished for our '10s, simple and without unnecessary frills, precisely what I hoped to hear from these Erasure. The structure of the album is quite particular; it can be distinctly divided between a first part that rides swiftly on up-tempo rhythms and a second dominated by ballads and more atmospheric sounds, with the first being better on the whole than the second, which is softened by a couple of somewhat dull episodes. "Elevation", "Reason", and "Promises" are nothing new for anyone well-versed in Erasure since "Chorus," but they remain enjoyable and well-delivered songs, a solid and convincing trio. Among the ballads, there are the more disappointing episodes ("Paradise", "Smoke & Mirrors") but also the most interesting and creative ones of the album, like "Under The Wave", captivating in its slight insecurity and melancholy, and "Stayed A Little Late Tonight", a theatrically fitting closure with an almost decadent aftertaste.

Three stars or four? Quite the dilemma, "The Violet Flame" is a solid 7 out of 10, no more, no less. One aspect that might have left me a bit wanting is the absence of a bright, upbeat track in the style of "Don't Say Your Love Is Killing Me." I understand the stylistic and maturity choices, but at least one song of this type would have been a nice cherry on top. Otherwise, the album is valid and works well, but despite all the esteem, affection, and historical merits, this time I find it more appropriate to round down, as it better represents the work's value in the context of Erasure's history. If it were the product of an emerging act, I might have dared the fourth star. If you already appreciate the genre, "The Violet Flame" is a solid guarantee and a good listen, and that's that.