REVIEW: Violet Crumbles, Family Album (Dahlia Records)

- Reto Koradi

Violet Crumbles is a side project of 6 musicians from 5 bands. This CD features 4 tracks by Violet Crumbles, together with 2 tracks each by these other 5, quite diverse, bands.

One of the Rag Iron tracks is very good alternative female rock in the Breeders/Belly tradition, the other one a beautiful pop ballad reminding of bands like Everything But The Girl and Bliss.

Miles Dethmuffen play solid alternative rock, with nothing that would make them very remarkable.

The Barnies and Laughing Academy both have a more aggressive, industrial sound. Rather uninspired and boring.

Electric Toys are completely different again. Melodic pop with soulful vocals, reminding of various Paul Carrack projects (Squeeze). Nice, but almost too smooth.

And what's the result if you mix all that? Violet Crumbles sound gothic! They remind of some of the slow Mission songs, like "Love Me to Death", with a lead singer who sounds remarkably similar to Wayne Hussey. The whole sound is less dramatic and keyboard-heavy though, but has a more accoustic and relaxed feel.

Overall, this is a rather diverse collection. It has some weak tracks, but also a good number of enjoyable ones. And it's good to see that the combination of 5 bands resulted in one that is clearly better than the original parts (except for Rag Iron).

More information on this Violet Crumbles CD can be obtained from Dahlia Records, PO Box 852, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 or via e-mail at praustin@world.std.com.