The year is 2003, a new century--heck, it's a new millennium--and here crashing in on my own little musical world, after many years, is the Michael Pritzl-led Violet Burning. In fact, my last encounter was the 1992 release Strength, whose lyrical magnificence still gets me in {the} heart.
I am nothing and I have nowhere to turn
I am nothing so I lay down and cry for mercy, oh mercy
STUNNING!!!
Not only has The Violet Burning crashed my world, it's taken me straight to its leader.
This is the Moment kicks off with three absolutely stunning songs, namely "Lovesick," "Everywhere I Go," and "Radio Jesus Superstar," which all demand you sit up and pay very close attention. They deserve to be turned up to an eleven on that volume dial. These songs should be all over the radio; it's surely an injustice that they're not.
After only a few listens to this CD I was right there, caught up with the passion, the longing, that almost desperate need for intimacy with the creator God. There's water deep enough to swim in. For example, "Heaven Holds My Heart" pleads, "Draw me close to your side, just for a while," and "Lovesick" begs, "I wanna be where you are; I wanna be by your heart."
These songs and their longings could well be psalms for the twenty-first century. Musically, this is a bit retro with an '80s vibe, but it's beautifully crafted and intertwined with a very twenty-first-century groove.
The Violet Burning, you are very welcome in my world.
4.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Opus 2003Reviewed by Chris BrownIt was somewhat confusing when Michael Pritzl announced that he was releasing an album as The Gravity Show. When you have a band that is essentially a solo project with a rotating cast of musicians -- as has always been the case with Pritzl and The Violet Burning -- why exactly do you need a side project? The release of This Is the Moment, Pritzl's seventh release under the Violet Burning moniker…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Keith GilesTo many of the younger, alternative rock fans out there, the name "Violet Burning" may not resonate a sense of excitement and anticipation. But, for the rest of you, This Is the Moment will be an answer to your prayers. Most longtime Alternative Rock fans know that any new recording from Mike Pritzl is reason enough to cheer, and this new recording doesn't disappoint. The band has been prolific…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Trae CadenheadWhen your favorite band releases a new album it can be both exciting and scary at the same time. On one hand, there will finally be some new music to listen to instead of the old CDs that you loved so much. But on the other hand, what if this new release disappoints and forces you to go back to the old CDs, longing for those better days. The Violet Burning's music is very personal for me. It…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Kevin MathewsEssentially a Michael Pritzl solo project, The Violet Burning's latest release is one of the year's strongest, encapsulating the passionate inspirations of '80s post-punk and '90s indie pop while remaining relevant to the new millennium. Pritzl bares his soul and expresses his faith sincerely and artistically without ever resorting to cliche and formula. Highlights include the anthemic…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Matt ModrichThe Violet Burning is similar to U2, especially with Michael Pritzl singing like Bono. However, the main difference between the two bands is that The Violet Burning is more of an '80s pop rock band. This is the Moment is the California band's latest release on Northern Records. What's also different from U2 is that almost every single song on This is the Moment has some form of clear spiritual…The Phantom Tollbooth 2003Reviewed by Ramona Anne DubeMichael Pritzl and his band, the Violet Burning, sound absolutely incredible on this studio recording with a very full sound that lacks nothing. There are just enough driving drum beats, the right amount of electric guitar, and a few other things thrown in here and there for good measure, to provide a nice bed for Pritzl's incredible vocals. This album is certainly a keeper and an excellent…Similar sounding releases
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