PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Goth/Post-Punk royalty The March Violets are in sparkling form with their new album “Crocodile Promises”
For a band that has been around since 1981, it is something of a surprise to find that “Crocodile Promises” is only the third full-length from The March Violets. It’s also the first not to feature original lead vocalist Simon Denbigh, but luckily the delightful Rosie Garland is on hand to fulfil the role, as she has done since the band’s reformation back in 2022. With William Faith departing the band in January to continue with other commitments, the bass position has now been filled with the equally talented Mat Thorpe. Of course, the guitar and drums are manned as has always been by Tom Ashton and Dr Rhythm respectively.
OK, that’s the band introduced for those of you who are new to The March Violets, so let’s get on with the music eh?!
Starting proceedings off is the only song released thus far – “Hammer The Last Nail“. Leaning more to the post-punk and alternative rock direction, the opening riff is a bluesy and groovy little sidewinder, replete with a lovely chorus tone. Rosie’s vocals are on point from the word go, sounding both vulnerable and sinister, especially so on her lower registered parts. All in all, it’s a lively and upbeat track, and certainly a fine choice as the lone single so far. Watch the official video for it here
Shifting towards a more gothic-tinged sound next, Rosie delivers her lyrics to “Bite The Hand” more like a musically accompanied poetry reading. No surprise really, as this is what she does when not doing March Violets stuff! It’s a simple jangly guitar riff that provides the foundation for this song – a very vintage Tom Ashton sound, yet timeless too.
Inexperienced woolly things, and giant octopi…
What the eff are you on about Tottle?!! Been at the hallucinogens have we? Erm no, not at all – a mug of tea – definitely! Nope, I’m talking about “Virgin Sheep“, and “Kraken Awakes“. Virgin Sheep is a bass-led, very up-tempo track that bounces along dragging you with it, all the while with a big smile on your face. I can’t wait to hear this live, as it will be a definite crowd-pleaser and certainly get folk moving to the groove.
Kraken Awakes is a more laid-back affair than the first three songs and very much the most gothic-sounding so far. Again the vocals are superb, but I particularly like the chorus where Mat provides his voice to underpin and add even more depth to the singing. Like an octopus tentacle, it has a writhing, curling melody that is most pleasing to the ear.
I’m transported back to my nights at Banshee (Manchester goth & alternative club) with “Mortality“, its bass lead is just pure nostalgia! This is pure old-school stuff and a definite highlight for me, having me snake dancing in me chair while I’m typing this! Classic March Violets.
Just over the halfway mark…
Yeah – these first 5 songs are relatively short and snappy, zapping by in around 20 minutes. But worry ye not – we’ve got another 4 tracks and a quarter of an hour or so of music to enjoy.
With a somewhat darker tone than what has just gone before “World Away from Kind” is richly textured with probing bass and thumping kick drum over Rosie’s authoritative vocal delivery. Probably the slowest track herein, it’s certainly not a crawler though.
“Crocodile Teeth” is a much poppier affair – the good kind of pop though from those days when it was good! If another single is to be released, this one would be my choice. It’s catchy and danceable – a fine choice for goth club nights!
The following track is another with nice earworms – especially a screamy guitar flourish that has my ears and hairs on the back of my neck pricked up! Layered vocals in the chorus give us a harmonised sound that demonstrates how Rosie can go from almost angelic tones here to some of her more aggressive and almost sneered vox on other songs from the March Violets output!
Unfortunately, we now arrive at the final song of “Crocodile Promises” – unfortunate as I’d like it to keep going, but too much of a good thing is not always ideal! “This Way Out” starts in a vein very akin to a Siouxsie and The Banshees song, especially the vocals. This very quickly asserts its identity as The March Violets, however, with Tom’s distinctive sparkly guitar nuances over a more aggressive main rhythm. I don’t have the lyrics to hand here, but there is a line that sounds like “All you know is your balls are screaming“! I’m thinking I’ve misheard it, as Walls instead of Balls would work just as well, but knowing Rosie’s humour it could be either! On the whole, it is a very fine track to finish the album with.
Final thoughts…
First – I CANNOT wait to see these guys live in Leeds on 19th July!
It may only be the third full-length album from The March Violets, but it brings together all the elements that make them great. The production is spot-on, allowing every instrument to be heard, and the vocals are crystal clear. Tom, Rosie and Mat can stand proud with this release – it’s everything a fan could ask for. It will NOT leave you blue, but will make you PLAY LOUD and PLAY PURPLE!!
The album is released on Metropolis Records on 19th July
The March Violets – Mat Thorpe, Rosie Garland, Tom Ashton
Track Listing
01 – Hammer The Last Nail
02 – Bite The Hand
03 – Virgin Sheep
04 – Kraken Awakes
05 – Mortality
06 – World Away From Kind
07 – Crocodile Teeth
08 – Heading For The Fire
09 – This Way Out
UK Live Dates!!
Links
Bandcamp: https://marchvioletsband.bandcamp.com/music
Official: https://www.marchvioletsband.com/
- Download £8.66
