Longtime British synth-pop duo Erasure seem to be going through a slight identity crisis throughout 16th album The Violet Flame. It boasts plenty of those elements that have made the two-man operation such a successful machine for the better part of three decades; lead singer Andy Bell's emotive, impassioned vocal delivery is as strong as ever and synth/electronic architect Vince Clarke's musical creations are still sharp and imaginative. Unfortunately, many of the album's 10 tracks too closely resemble the generic, modern day club/dance music and detract from the unique niche Bell and Clarke worked so hard to carve out since their 1986 debut.
Lead single "Elevation" is a powerful, slick dance tune that would no doubt fill a floor in any nightclub around the globe; however, its beat-driven and glossy production takes away from the charm and giddiness usually bursting from every prior Erasure hit. It's not a total misstep — it's just not what longtime Erasure fans might want or expect and isn't a fair representation of what the duo is capable of. Their typical fun and cleverness are missing from "Promises" as well, which sounds like it could have been recorded by any one of the faceless acts permeating the Top 40 airwaves.
There are some standout cuts, however; "Under the Wave" sounds like a totally different act altogether and hearkens back to the duo's heyday. The hypnotic, slowly-building "Smoke and Mirrors" features some of Clarke's most engaging synth patterns yet while showcasing one of Bell's career-best vocal performances, making it apparent that Erasure is at their best when showing off their unique style, chemistry and personality rather than attempting to fit into unfamiliar, unnatural sonic territories.
The Violet Flame suffers when the band tries too hard to be uber-modern and contemporary. The album's strengths definitely lie in the moments that find Andy Bell and Vince Clarke fully displaying their natural creative talents and showing them off in grandiose style.
Critics' Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars