The Violet Burning is mainly the brainchild of a one Mr. Michael J. Pritzl. Selling over 90,000 albums, international tours, and video play on MTV Europe and MTV France have only given TVB a mediocre buzz in America, if that. He has worked with The Prayer Chain, taken legend Mike Knott's place in Cush, and recently started a new venture entitled The Gravity Show. I've heard TVB's name thrown around a few times but have never really given much attention to it. Now, after hearing Demonstrates Plastic and Elastic, I wonder how I ever went on without this?

"Elaste," the first track, is an intro I skipped through a few times before finding out that it was a drawn back slow full track stating "And so you go down kneeling by the shore, because you need another dose. Something strong to fill your hole. And when you gaze up and reach out in the night. And you're trembling inside. Then your water turns to wine. It's there when you rise." "Moon Radio" begins the rock trend with an arrogant Brit pop melody while "Berlin Kitty" is familiar to the classic glam rock of The Rolling Stones and The Buggles song "Video Killed The Radio Star."

"She Says Electric" slows the pace a bit, bringing Smashing Pumpkins rock and the lyrics "So long I have waited, with my face to the sun. Wearing my Jesus coat, love to see. It's such a lovely coat. I like to wear it when I'm feeling cold." "I'm No Superman" is melodic emotional rock made before there was a genre for this as well as before the Superman song craze. "Oceana" brings a faith-filled chorus of melody while "Sugarlight U.S.A." is more of that Smashing Pumpkins vibe and first brought to my attention a Nathan Barlowe of Luna Halo resemblance. "Ilaria" tests the waters of techno rock and "Robot Fluid Robot" brings some Rufus Wainwright with a drum machine and words of "You send me valentines on the first of June. When you're covering my eyes, I'm peeking through. I know you're leaving, but I'm only hanging on to you." "Gorgeous" is Tom Petty while "We Close Our Eyes" is Neil Young folk rock. "Seamonster" ends this astonishing LP with a Martin Smith/ Delirious feel and some hidden cuts.

My CD collection was missing this album. I don't know where this band has come from musically but I do know that this latest record makes The Violet Burning possibly the biggest secret in indie rock today. Hopefully with the re-release of this album, people will actually pick it up. I guess it's just true what they say; it's always the good bands you never hear about. I hate to tell you all my secrets, but hey, I won't charge you for this one! Demonstrates Plastic and Elastic should be called Rock and Roll for Dummies because it's so hard, yet seems so easy for them. Pick up this album today and who knows-- you might actually learn something.

- Review date: 2/13/02, written by Blake Garris