The Violet Flame

In the '80s, Erasure—alongside bands like New Order, Depeche Mode, and OMD—helped define a time and space like few bands ever do. Their progressive sounds often overshadowed the sweet, solid songwriting that rested at the core of their approach. Decades on, Erasure are no longer hungry kids on the dance floor but firmly established veterans who proudly modify their approach with more songs meant to outlast fashion. The Violent Flame comes 10 months after Snow Globe, their album of seasonal cheer. It was recorded in New York and London with producer Richard X, though many songs were written in the warm weather of Miami. Again, Vince Clarke provided pre-recorded dance grooves, while Andy Bell immediately felt the inspiration and shaped melodies and lyrics that became future Erasure standards: see “Elevation,” “Sacred,” “Be the One,” and “Paradise.” The album's deluxe version features 11 bonus tracks from Erasure’s live performance at Mute Records’ Short Circuit Festival in 2011.