Ornatos Violeta

Ornatos Violeta were a Portuguese alternative rock group whose music included some other influences, such as funk, jazz and ska. The band was formed in the city of Porto. With Manel Cruz (vocals), Nuno Prata (bass), Peixe (guitar), Kinörm (drums) and Elísio Donas (keyboard) and only two albums, they quickly became a reference in Portuguese music of the end of the 1990s, though the most successful part of their career lasted for only three years, after which the group split. In 1997, they composed Cão! (Dog!) their first album - which included the song Letra S, a duet with Manuela Azevedo, the voice of Clã (another successful Portuguese band) - an album where for the first time the group showed they were keen to explore a mixed sound, with Cruz's unique writing style, much to their fans', and most of the national musical reviewers', delight. In the following year, during the Expo 98, they collaborated on the compilation Tejo Beat alongside Boss AC, Blasted Mechanism, Zen and Flood with the song Tempo de Nascer.

Read more artist reviews on BCC Music site