In the wake of
U2's enormous appeal crossing over music formats in the mid- to late-'80s, a slew of acts crowded the scene trying to emulate the Irish quintet's blend of passion and pop sensibility. Hailing from England, This Picture was one of those bands and
A Violent Impression was the foursome's debut release. Although, like
U2 at times, they trade in moody, quasi-spiritual lyrics, musically they are a bit more comparable to
the Hothouse Flowers. Lead singer Symon Bye even bears a similarity to Liam O'Maonlai, especially on the charging "Naked Rain." The highlight of the set, however, is the percussive stomp of "The Great Tree." There are rootsy elements to the band such as violins and organ that set them apart a bit from similar acts but not enough to make
A Violent Impression more than a pleasant listen. ~ Tom Demalon