Violet Mary is a study in keen balance. This is one of the few hard rock bands that still manages to maintain melody on the see-saw between muscle and melodic subtlety. And I don't just mean dynamics that pull back to let the melody be heard here or there, but the presence of an actual floating, discernible, memorable melody. Plug in the band's latest, self-produced "Level" or better yet, see Violet Mary live. It's going to get juicy. Bring napkins.
Violet Mary performs with Falling Hollywood on Saturday, February 8, 9 p.m. at Lovin' Cup, 300 Park Point Drive. $5. lovincup.com.