March Violets - Cockpit, Leeds, 4/6/2011

  by Helen Tipping

published: 26 / 6 / 2011

intro

At a show in their hometown of Leeds, Helen Tipping watches 1980's Gothic-band the March Violets play a show which incorporates newer influences including dance music

The March Violets were a 1980's Leeds gothic band, and much of their older material plays testament this. Their newer material, however, stands out, as it includes more recent influences such as dance music and the lyrics seem more poetic. 'Dandelion King' is almost Bowie-esque rather than rocking, in an 80's kind of way. The gig starts slowly with plenty of dry ice and gothic lighting. At first the audience seems a little uncertain. There is swaying and a lot of looking around for friends, but it doesn’t take long for the dancing to start, and towards the end people are up on shoulders in traditional style. The band seemed very happy, clearly enjoying themselves which always makes for a good gig. Si Denbigh is dressed like an old-style city gent and maintains a stern expression which occasionally gives way to a smile, whilst Rosie Garland grins and laughs throughout the gig. Let’s hope there are further gigs to come, and we look forward to the release of their album and more new material. The photographs that accompoany this article were taken exclusively for Pennyblackmusic by Neil Bailey.