10 Songs, 37 Minutes
EDITORS’ NOTES
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.
EDITORS’ NOTES
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.
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Dead of Night
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Elevation
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Reason
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Promises
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Be the One
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Sacred
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Under the Wave
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Smoke and Mirrors
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Paradise
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Stayed a Little Late Tonight
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Ratings and Reviews
2015 will be 30 years for them….
…and they’re still putting out brilliant things like this.
How the heck they continue to think up these gorgeous handful-of-notes choruses with goosebump-worthy synths is beyond me.
Kudos, Vince & Andy….shaking my head in admiration and thankful disbelief….
Freaking Awesome!!!!!!
I have been a loyal Erasure fan since I was 15 years old. I own every studio album that they have released. I am currently 45 years old and have fallen totally in love with this new album, just like I did when I was 15. Sends shivers up and down my spine, I most definitely recommend it!!!
Best. Erasure. EVER.
Been listening to these guys since the beginning, so this is a must buy regardless. But after listening to the online stream about a dozen times, I gotta say this is their best stuff yet. Lead single "Elevation" is probably the weakest track, and even it is number one worthy. "Dead of Night" is a perfect opener, and later tracks give off a kind of Moroccan future vibe, and then plunge headlong into Giorgio Morodor territory. Seriously, if I've got any real complaint, its that ten songs isn't enough. Album of the year for me...
