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Rating: The March Violets may not have been geniuses, I think that's evident just from their chosen name, but they undoubtedly proved to be the most valid representatives of the British gothic rock era. At least after the tutelary deities Sisters Of Mercy.
Born in Leeds in 1980, the March Violets soon came under the protective and productive wing of Mr. Andrew Eldritch: the small label Merciful Release.
Their first album, the one reviewed here, was released in the now distant 1984. I mentioned "gothic rock" to make myself understood and to emphasize the close connection that existed (and still exists today) between these youngsters and the founders of the genre. However, it is not the tacky gothic of Mission UK or The Cult that you will hear once you delve into their debut.
No "hard," no sappy melodies, and no various and assorted extravagances. With the early March Violets, in fact, there's an air of Bauhaus, Siouxsie, and the earliest S.O.M.
An electronic drum beats the time as livid and strictly post-punk guitars create the gloomy atmosphere that every album of this genre should exude.
Beautiful songs, simple and often exciting. An album recommended even for those who are not aficionados of this reality.
Tracks worthy of note in this writer's opinion? Certainly, I would mention "Religious As Hell," "Fodder", and "Radiant Boys." Only three tracks? It's just that I really don't feel like doing a track-by-track, and surely, some lapses are noticeable here and there. Give it a listen. You're certainly not going to die from it.
Tracklist and Lyrics
11 Snake Dance ()
Take my hand said Cleopatra
Take me to the fires to burn
Save your passion and your kinship
Take me to the flames the flames
The flames the flames
Pay my price in pearls of wisdom
Tell me stories of my fame
Scented oil on troubled water
Take my love in vain
Break the heart break the heart
Break the heart of my very soul
Cast it on the desert sand
This dance catches fire with me
Take my body clean of blame
I am the heat inside the flame
Take my body clean of shame
I am the heat inside the flame
I am the heat I am the heat
Play my song the serpent whispered
Golden skin and eyes of flame
Painted heart and painted nails
She ran her fingers down the scales
Just back from the snake dance baby
I love you when you shed your skin
Just back from the snake dance baby
Open the door lets go in
Just back from the snake dance baby
I love you when you burn me up
Just back from the snake dance baby
This dance catches fire with me
Snake dance
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