To 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 over the last ten years, releasing seven projects in that time span. Now, coming off the brilliant strength of their last CD, Faith and Devotions of a Satellite Heart, the band releases an album of surprisingly positive and worship alternative rock songs.
While not as visceral as the self-titled "Domo Record" nor as eclectic as Plastic and Elastic, the Violets are much more lyrically centered than on previous outings. It continues to follow the track laid down on Satellite Heart, but in a much more polished and lyrically straightforward manner.
Taking their songs into degrees of black and white, Pritzl writes and sings songs that declare an open-hearted love and devotion to Christ as Savior and Lord. Not since their now out-of-print classic Strength has the band been so vulnerable about their faith, and that's a good thing.
A very good thing.
For example, as Pritzl sings on "The Only One," "And in your love I sing/ I, I believe in you/ I, I will trust in you/ So hold me close, Lord/ In your arms/ You're the only one that I need/ On the Cross/ You gave your life for me/ Out of love/ You set this captive free" you can feel the sincere yearning in his voice to lift his song above the clouds and touch the heart of God.
Certainly, the Violets have released their most light-hearted, worshipful, optimistic set of songs ever on This Is the Moment.
With a new line-up change on nearly every album, The Violet's latest incarnation includes a veritable "who's who" of Christian Alternative Rock. With Andy Prickett on the guitars, Herb Grimaud Jr. on bass and Sam West on drums, the Violet Burning are approaching a "mega-band" status. However, the snarling guitar prowess of Prickett is notably muted here, and drummer Sam West is certainly less threatening than the rhythms he's laid down for bands like Stavesacre and Savior Machine.
It's no secret that this is a band that exists to provide a platform for Pritzl's music and words.
However, it's been a long time since the Violets have had a CD released, and so, potentially, there are numerous alternative music fans out there who may be surprised that the band is still around, or who may have never heard of the band at all.
I can highly recommend This Is the Moment for fans of alternative worship, and especially for those who enjoy the music of artists like The Choir, Fold Zandura or Michael Knott.
4 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 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 Mark ReidThe 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!!!…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
2000Sunny Day Real EstateThe Rising Tide
2002MatthewEverybody Down
2003LongviewMercury
1997Geoff Moore & The DistanceThreads
1997EagerEager
2001Remy ZeroThe Golden HumMore from The Violet Burning
1989Chosen
2000Faith and Devotions of a Satellite Heart
The Violet Burning Demonstrates Plastic and Elastic
2000I Am a Stranger in This Place: An Experiment in Vibe2000I Am A Stranger In This Place
