THE FIRE SERMON

The Fire Sermon is the first and only album released by UK outfit The Violet Hour, a band that imploded due to lifestyle and musical differences just as they had started to aquire a fanbase back in 1991. Almost 20 years later their CD is nearly impossible to get hold of, and long suffereing fans will be pleased about the recent reissue of this disc, with a few bonus tracks attached for additional value.

Dreamy, atmospheric music venturing back and forth between art rock and mainstream rock is what's served up here, with the former the most notable efforts. Opening track Dream Of Me in particular, but also the Beatles-tinged venture The Spell and the Joplin-goes-arty take of Better Be Good are all brilliant tracks, efforts that has withstood the test of time and comes across as true classics.

The rest of the material isn't half bad either, showcasing a talented act that sadly never got the chance to evolve, but first and foremost the amazing vocals of Doris Brendel. Not yet fully developed as a singer at this stage in my opinion, nevertheless a truly skillful performance from her on this production, singing with a raw passion that makes it easy to understand the comparisons made with one of the greatest female vocalists ever: Janis Joplin.

Overall a recommended album, and highly so if you have a soft spot for skilled, powerful female lead vocals.