Violet – The Last Cathedral / 2005 Wine & Vinyl / 10 Tracks / http://www.violetsong.net / Reviewed 01 December 2005

Violet is an interesting act. “The Last Cathedral” is their second album, and while the opening track “Pilot” has a radio-friendly veneer, there is enough space put between the band and their listeners to really make the latter think. What Meredith’s vocals sound like during a track like “Cosmic Holiday” is a more mature, grown-up version of Kelly Clarkson and Alanis Morrisette; the instrumentation here have more to do with the wide-open spaces of alt-country than anything. Each of the tracks on “The Last Cathedral” seem to be a perfect match for alternative music, as the heavenly vocals of Meredith during “Beneath the Sun” provides the perfect example of this. Interestingly enough, there is a guitar riff during “Fill You In” that is reminiscent of “Don’t Fear The Reaper”; the added infusion of a little guitar fuzz pushes Meredeth’s vocals into a whole different (impressive) style. The mincing of styles present on “The Last Cathedral” may just be this disc’s selling point; there is no lack of different, nineties-style alternative tracks here, all done with a love that would make the original innovators of these styles jealous.

The dreamy guitar opening to “MaryAnne’s Last Stand” moves Meredith back to a very strong, crunchy type of sound with eir vocals. The instrumentation really takes a back seat here, as the somewhat-sultry vocals delight. Where the production does not wow listeners, what it does succeed in is a wonderful uniting of Meredith’s vocals and the slim tendrils of music put forth by both Violets. The pseudo-duet that Meredith has with eirself during “Within This Circle” looks toward both Sarah McLachlan and Tori Amos for primary influence, but the track is really in its own realm in terms of sheer catchiness. The final, self-titled track to the disc provides listeners with a dissonant brand of atmosphere that doimantes even Meredith’s vocals for the space of four minutes. What issues forth is a different-sounding track that will nonetheless emotionally affect listeners; “The Last Cathedral” (the album) is a tremendous sleeper hit that will likely only be enjoyed years down the road when someone picks it up from a bargain bin. This is sad, for the music inside “The Last Cathedral” is some of the most genuine and honest to come out in the last few years. Here’s to hoping that Meredith and Jim get together for a few more albums under the Violet name before they part ways.

Top Tracks: Sweetest Memories, MaryAnne’s Last Stand

Rating: 6.2/10

[JMcQ]