Album Review
Michael J. Pritzl's Violet Burning has always been one of the most underrated bands in music and "Demonstrates Plastic and Elastic" cements that sentiment. This is one of the Burning's best, if not the best of their catalogue. Pritzl continues to grow by leaps and bounds as a songwriter, musician, and lyricist. The use of sound here is incredible, Pritzl blends quiet and loud together so well that sometimes the quiet songs are screaming inside your ears.
The album kicks off with one of the best songs I have ever heard, "Elaste". It starts soft with a choir and the slow, passionate vocals of Pritzl echoing the words "Lay your hands now on me/Let your love cover me/Sing your sweet songs to me/Pour your love over me" just around the corner from that the song turns into a full blown rocker and back again with a sort of "space age" theme sonically (reflective of the album's cover). In a way it's like the finer moments on U2's "Pop" album only Violet Burning has succeeded where U2 failed. The album continues in a modern rock vein, with strong lead guitars and driving drums and continues to follow the "space age" themes. Some of the record's highlights include "Moon Radio", where Pritzl declares "If you ever reach the moon before I do... wave goodbye" and "We Close Our Eyes". Musically this album will definitely appeal to fans of The Smashing Pumpkins (RIP), David Bowie, and U2's more electronic efforts ("Achtung Baby", "Zooropa", and "Pop") although Violet Burning's songs are more straightforward for the most part.
Bottom line is this: This is a great rock album. There's way too many good things to say, so I'll just say again, "go and find this record" (let me help you... www.northernrecords.com). If you like driving rock music with emotional (yet cocky sounding at times) vocals then you won't be disappointed!
Album Grade - A
Cover Art Grade - B
Key Song - "Elaste"
