March Violets
Play Loud Play Purple (2lp)
The March Violets came out of Leeds in the early '80s, label-mates of Sisters Of Mercy. Releasing six indie singles, they were a constant presence in the UK indie charts, hitting the top two with 'Snake Dance' and 'Deep' and no. 1 with 'Walk Into The Sun.' They never recorded an album - their '80s long-players, 'Natural History In The UK' and 'Electric Shades' in the USA, were compilations. Eventually they signed to a major label and were groomed for a USA breakthrough, performing in the 1987 'Some Kind Of Wonderful' movie. However, they were asked to make too many compromises and split up. Here is their entire 1980s independent catalogue compiled in the original versions, together with three tracks from this century. It chronicles their development with lead singers Simon Denbigh, Rosie Garland and Cleo Murray, backed by bassist Lawrence Elliot and guitarist Tom Ashton.