COLUMBUS, OH- It’s been many years since I first heard The March Violets’ signature song, “Snake Dance,” which left me smitten with the band, to say the least. Due to some delays in 2023 (the year I deemed “the year of the goth,” which saw the return of The Cure, The Mission UK, The Chameleons, Siouxsie, Sisters of Mercy, and Xmal Deutschland), they had to postpone their U.S. tour. Thankfully, with everything cleared up, The March Violets have returned to the U.S., supporting their recently released album, “Crocodile Promises.”
The March Violets emerged from the post-punk scene in Leeds, England, in 1981. Known for their dark, brooding sound and dual male-female vocals, they quickly gained a cult following. The band’s early work was characterized by gothic rock influences, evident in tracks like “Snake Dance.” After disbanding in the late ’80s, they reunited decades later, evolving their sound while retaining their signature atmosphere. Their recent releases blend nostalgia with fresh energy, cementing their legacy.
The first leg of the tour concluded on September 12th, and I was present at their Rumba Café date on September 10th. I hurriedly rushed from West Virginia to Columbus, OH (a 2.5-hour drive) with enough time to catch most of the show.
I was a bit disheartened that I only managed to get into the venue halfway through the set of the openers, Rosegarden Funeral Party. However, I can say that singer/guitarist Leah Lane has a powerful voice reminiscent of Siouxsie, a bit of Debbie Harry, and perhaps a touch of Annie Lennox. She delivers the songs with impassioned fervor and a killer stage presence. That night, they performed as a duo, with the drummer adding a solid backbeat to tracks heavily laden with nostalgic sounds of the dark wave. Their songs are both danceable and emotional, skillfully pulling at the heartstrings. First impressions are crucial, and although I hadn’t heard of them before this show, I can confidently say that I’ll be purchasing their music and following them to see what the future holds.
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I was in contact with Tom Ashton last year when the original Violets’ tour was announced, as I wanted to cover it. He was extremely gracious and ready to let me. So, as the date drew near, I reached out again, and he was just as accommodating. Right before they stepped on stage, Tom, Rosie Garland (vocals), and their newest member, Mat Thorpe (bass/vocals), were standing side stage, so I took the opportunity to introduce myself and snap a quick selfie or two with them. Within a few minutes, they began their hour-long set.
The opener, “Crow Baby,” instantly transports you to the place where you first fell in love with their music. The drum machine has been updated from the original, but it still captures the essence of the band’s early journey. The gorgeous, atmospheric sounds that Tom brings out of his guitar pierce the air and make you sway. Rosie’s vocals are often mesmerizing as she dances throughout the songs. She introduces each song with either a pun or a historical band fact, as if sharing secrets with a dear friend. Mat is a welcome addition, laying down the bass lines and handling the male vocal parts with perfection. The band is tight and still on fire after more than 40 years as an entity.
Introducing new music into a live set is always a challenge. Some audience members are there to reminisce, while others are eager for the new material, and still others are simply happy to see the band live. The Violets skillfully blended both old and new. The four new songs that made it into the set were “Hammer the Last Nail” early on, while “Crocodile Teeth,” “Heading for the Fire,” and “This Way Out” closed the main set. Golden and majestic Violets’ classics included “Radiant Boys,” “Made Glorious,” and “Strangehead” from their earlier albums, much to the crowd’s delight. When they began playing “Walk Into the Sun,” I was especially excited. That song, along with the night’s closer, “Snake Dance,” were what drew me in back in my teenage years.
Seeing them live, still in their prime and still relevant, is something I’ll remember fondly. I wish them even more success as they continue to make new music and create a space for their fans to indulge in their creative legacy. The band will return for the second leg of their U.S. tour on October 28th in New Orleans, continuing until mid-November, ending at the Echo in LA. I highly recommend catching the show if they’re coming near you. Get your tickets!
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LIVE CLIPS
