Artist: The Violet Burning
Album: Drop-Dead
Label: Northern Records
Tracks: 12
Length: 52:14
Review By: John Durkee

So, apparently The Violet Burning has been a powerful force in the realm of creative Christian art-rock since 1989… and I had never heard of them until people started talking about this record.

I have definitely been missing something good. Really good.

Drop-Dead is an alt-rock record at its heart, with some nu-wave sensibilities thrown here and there. What makes Drop-Dead such a great record is its usage of familiar sounding influences while keeping its own artistic credibility. Michael J. Pritzl’s vocals are reminiscent of Bono, while adding an edge here and there (see “Do You Love Me” with its rock n roll attitude delivered screams).

Even with the nu-wave and U2 influence the record has its own undeniable sound. With resonating bass lines and deep resonating vocals, the record has a great flow and is full of great tracks.

The only real downside to the record is that, while at first the record grows into a very enjoyable experience, repeated listens tend to loose its magic. This is not to say that the record is bad or even mediocre, its quite good, but the record isn’t as good as what a first listen might indicate.

If you’re a fan of U2, The Cure, or other new wave influenced arena rock, this is an excellent purchase. Drop-Dead is so good that it has inspired me to look into The Violet Burning’s back catalogue.