Artist: Erasure Album: The Violet Flame

Year: 2014
Duration: 56:00

Erasure's The Violet Flame: A Critical Review of the Synthpop Classic

Erasure is one of the most influential synthpop duos to emerge in the '80s, with classic hits such as A Little Respect, Oh L'amour, and Sometimes that defined a generation and shaped the sound of pop music. Their later albums may not have enjoyed the same level of commercial success, but they remain a beloved cult band to this day, inspiring new generations of musicians with their infectious melodies, sparkling electronics, and soulful vocals. In 2014, Erasure released “The Violet Flame” to critical acclaim, marking a return to their electronic roots and their most danceable album in years. In this blog post, we will review The Violet Flame album, explore its history, and evaluate its songs, innovative parts, and overall impact.

The Violet Flame marks a departure from Erasure's previous albums, moving away from the melancholic ballads and introspective lyrics that had characterized their later works and returning to the upbeat, danceable sound of their early hits. The album is a celebration of love, joy, and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity, with lyrics that are at once simple and profound. Lead singer Andy Bell's vocals are as powerful as ever, soaring over the shimmering synths and propulsive beats that form the backbone of the album. Producer Richard X, who had worked with Kylie Minogue and Sugababes, brings his signature punchy production to the mix, highlighting the strengths of the songwriting while keeping the focus on the melodies.

The album's standout tracks include Elevation, a soaring, anthemic track with a soaring chorus and a powerful message of hope; Reason, a sultry, funk-tinged track with a haunting vocal hook and a disco beat that will make you want to dance; and Be the One, a classic Erasure track with an irresistible melody, catchy chorus, and lyrics that speak to the eternal quest for love and connection. Other strong tracks include Dead of Night, a moody, atmospheric track with a pulsing beat and a haunting melody; Sacred, a bittersweet ballad that showcases Bell's vocal range; and Under the Wave, a lush, dreamy track with an ethereal quality that transports the listener to another realm.

The most innovative parts of The Violet Flame lie in the diverse production techniques used on the album. From the futuristic synth sounds on Elevation to the vintage disco strings on Reason, the album showcases Erasure's ability to mix the old and the new in exciting ways. The use of live drums on Reason and Under the Wave, as well as the electronic handclaps on Be the One, adds an organic texture to the album that is both unexpected and refreshing. The album's overall sound is crisp and polished, with just the right amount of reverb and delay to create an immersive listening experience.

Although The Violet Flame is a strong album, it is not without its flaws. Some of the tracks, such as Bloodstream and Smoke and Mirrors, lack the memorable hooks and catchy choruses that are Erasure's signature style. The album also suffers from some sameness in sound and structure, with many of the tracks following a similar formula of verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus. This can make the album feel repetitive at times and dilute the impact of the stronger tracks.

Overall, The Violet Flame is a welcome return to form for Erasure, showcasing their strengths as a synthpop band while pushing the boundaries of their sound. While the album may not be perfect, it is a testament to the enduring power of pop music to uplift and inspire. Whether you're a longtime fan or a new listener, The Violet Flame is a must-hear album that reaffirms the band's place in the pantheon of synthpop greats.