The March Violets
Natural History

THE REVIEW

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.