Violet - Mysteria (CD)

You gotta love VIOLET from Ludwigsburg/GERMANY. With their sophomore effort "Mysteria", the five-piece plays extremely melodic eighties sounds, although at times not that poppy anymore like on the debut "Illusions". Strict eighties-infused songwriting with lots of pop and love for details can be found. Let alone the opener "Sex In Harmony" and the first single "Angelina (Talk To Me)" shine. The voice of female singer Jamie Beckham has improved a lot, too, and highlights the songs, which are good at least but mostly really strong. Rock tracks like "Eighteen In Love" or "Bad Dream" are met by emotional ballades like "Arms Around". Simply stunning! Like a cool mixture of ROXETTE and STARSHIP. (MS)