The Violet Flame (2xCD)

With Erasure's 16th studio album, The Violet Flame the globally-adored duo of Andy Bell and Vince Clarke have created another stunning success of emotionally-charged electro-pop with euphoric, synth-fuelled melodies that strike instantly into the heart. The theme of transformation and new beginnings is captured in the album’s title, The Violet Flame, a literal spiritual term meaning the transformation of negative energy into positive energy, freedom and forgiveness. It’s a concept that courses through Erasure’s new album. The Violet Flame is perhaps more anthemic compared to previous Erasure albums, which Clarke puts down to listening to more dance music however; as with all Erasure records, it’s not straight forward euphoria all the way.