Two albums of pure salve for the thirsty soul. I Am A Stranger In This Place, complete with its space motif, is a look back at the band's past, with revamped versions of heart tugs like "Undone," "There Is Nowhere Else," "As I Am" and "Song of the Harlot." These songs are a wonderful date with a girl you've loved for years, but somehow she manages to dress up in such a way that you see her in a whole new light, creating another memory to add to the ones already cherished.
Faith And Devotions Of A Satellite Heart finds the band disappearing behind the veil of tranced out atmospheric guitars (a la the self-titled third album sound) in worship to King Jesus. This musical unit has a distinct advantage in the worship category, as they've been to the mountain many times, and they've sweated it out in the valleys, too. The sweet juice that's been crushed out of their hearts is that of a vertical lover. You'll easily find yourself lost in worship, accompanied by Melissa Barnett's beautiful voice and swept along by triple guitars. You'll be repeating phrases like, "I wait for You . . . All I have, I give to You, I lay it at Your feet . . . Lord, take all these things that separate us . . . You are all I want . . . I can't live without Your love . . . I am so in love with You . . . Lord, shine Your light..." and then you'll feel compelled to sing to others, "Come to the rock, come to the fountain..."
If only your CD player and speakers could feel what your heart feels right now. This human flesh is being moved by human music. It's a good thing. It's a violet burning.
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2002Reviewed by Chris BrownAllow me to state at the outset that I was greatly conflicted about whether or not to buy this record. On the one hand, I'm not at all a fan of worship music. I never have been. Generally I find it cloying, manipulative, and the performances are generally poor. On the other hand, I've been a huge admirer of Michael Pritzl and the Violet Burning for years. In the end my love for the Violets won…The Phantom Tollbooth 2001Reviewed by Trae CadenheadThe Violet Burning. They are one of the legends of Christian alternative music in the '90s. They continually push the envelope and defy being a normal rock and roll band in Christian music. Daring to be different, they make quality music that doesn't fit into anyone's preset mold. It is bold and original. Through the course of creating this wonderful alternative music manifesto, the band also led…Similar sounding releases
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