Search - March Violets :: The Botanic Verses

Shouldn't be forgotten

N. P. Stathoulopoulos | Brooklyn, NY | 10/14/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Botanic Verses is the only CD currently in print from this Leeds drum-machine band, save for the 2 tracks on the Some Kind of Wonderful soundtrack (which, incidentally, sound a lot different than the material gathered here). The March Violets are one of a number of early 1980s post-punk/gothic rock bands who are at risk of being forgotten by new music fans. Thanks to quality releases from the Violets, Danse Society, and Skeletal Family, to name a few, music fans can discover these bands without hunting down obscure vinyl. This disc is a real gem; a grand overview of the Violets featuring one good song after another. It's a lot of bang for your buck.The sound? Even though they grew up around The Sisters of Mercy, the Violets have an upbeat sound that still maintains a hint of menace. The lyrics are a lot different as well; this is dark music that knows it doesn't have to sound brooding all the time. They've got a lot of rhythm and a busy drum machine that creates some very danceable tracks. The twin vocal attack works wonders around songs like the famed Snake Dance and especially Lights Go Out. The production is cleaner, glossier, and more upbeat than the amphetamine menace of the Sisters, but the bands are apples and oranges. Back in the early 1980s, the Violets signed to Merciful Records, the Sisters of Mercy imprint that Andrew Eldritch set up. He even helped them in the studio with mixing (before he gave them the boot). Incidentally, Violets vocalist Simon Denbigh now has the honors of being 'Nurse' to the 'Doktor' (Doktor Avalance, the Sisters' drum, bass, and string machine these days) when Eldritch and Co. tour.Highly recommended to Sisters fans, post-punks fans, and good rock in general fans. As a previous reviewer pointed out, Children on Stun (named after a Violets song) are a good 90s band to check out if you like this disc."

Stunning!

sleep no more | Royal Oak, Michigan United States | 10/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Regardless of being in the shadow of the Sisters Of Mercy, I still think the March Violets were the more endearing and talented of the two. This wonderful compilation (though I'd rather have the song "Undertow" included instead of the 7" version of "Snake Dance")is a testement to that. Unlike the Sisters who in their early days had the fashion and a couple stand out songs, The March Violets kept a steady pace with inovative song-writing, top notch musicianship and clever lyrics that didn't just focus on the typical bled to death goth subjects. If you want "dark" then find a copy of "Closer" by Joy Division or better yet, "Sleep No More" by the Comsat Angels---If you want something more upbeat then this is worth exploring"

Eldritch Envy!

One Man | Germany | 11/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When Andrew Eldritch booted The March Violets off of his label, Merciful Release, he must have sensed how much better they were than The Sisters Of Mercy. The two groups had similarities such as pulsating drum machines and satirical lyrics but that is where it stops. The March Violets were far superior but shorter lived. They are goth without the punk soud of the old school, not as arty as The Virgin Prunes and Sex Gang Children and certainly not as pretentious as The Sisters. And Rosie Garland is far more sexier than Patricia Morrison



If you like Red Lorry Yellow Lorry's "He's Read" or The Sisters Of Mercy's "Alice", this will appeal to you. The March Violets were more diverse than S.O.M. yet still have dance floor rhythm without compromising creativity. Check them out! Ad oh, DJ's, Snake Dance is not the only Dance Floor song from The March Violets."