With Violet’s Saturday Nights In
I’m glad St. John’s-based alt-pop group With Violet are using the pop-music powers for good because if they ever cross over to the darkside we’re all in trouble.
I mean their songwriting, with its relentless hooks and infectious grooves, feels like it could be dangerous in the wrong hands. A With Violet chorus will take up residence in your brain.
You will feel it. You will sing it. A lot.
There is no better proof than their uber-catchy sophomore ep, Saturday Nights In. It’s a tight 3-song pop collection with smart lyrics and infectious beats.
The solid song craft is evident in seconds. The smooth, funk-infused opener ‘Keep Up’ is fantastic. It’s upbeat, energetic and, when the chorus kicks in, it grabs a hold and doesn’t let go. It’s a perfect addition to any summer playlist.
It ought to be played often and loudly.
The second track, ‘Gravity,’ maintains the upbeat energy and might be even catchier. Lyrically, it explores the idea of being blindsided by love — happening across someone who takes hold and pulls you in like gravity.
Finally, ‘The Things You Didn’t Say’ dials it back and closes the ep with a beautiful reflection on relationships lost to hesitation.
My only criticism of the collection is: I want more.
Fortunately, I won’t have to wait long. The band is promising new music in the fall.
In the meantime we’ll just have to enjoy Saturday Nights In on repeat.
The ep is available on all the usual streaming platforms.
Listen to ‘Keep Up’ and ‘Gravity’ and a whole lot of other great music from Newfoundland and Labrador on the NL Mixtape.
