Ornatos Violeta

Ornatos Violeta were a Portuguese alternative rock group whose music included some other influences, such as jazz and ska. The band was formed in the city of Oporto.

With Manel Cruz (voices), Nuno Prata (bass), Peixe (guitar), Kinörn (drums) and Elísio Donas (keyboard) and only two albums, they quickly became a reference in Portuguese music of the end of the 90's, though the most successful part of their career lasted only for three years, ending when its members split up.

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 did the group shown that was keen to explore a mixed sound, with Cruz's unique writing style, much to their fan's, and most of the national musical reviewer's, delight. In the following year, during the Expo 98 they collaborated in the compilation Tejo Beat in which participated also Boss AC, Blasted Mechanism, Zen and Flood with the song Tempo de Nascer. Their last album, O Monstro Precisa de Amigos (The Monster Needs Friends), came out in 1999, with a more carefully-thought production, and generally speaking, a less active and calmer style. The album contained the singles Ouvi Dizer, a duet with the older Portuguese musician Vitor Espadinha, and Capitão Romance, with Gordon Gano, vocalist of the well-known Violent Femmes. It was also during that year that they helped to produce XX Anos XX Bandas, a tribute to the Portuguese band Xutos e Pontapés, with a cover of Xutos' song Circo de Feras.

After some speculation about their future, Ornatos Violeta split in 2002. Fortunately for their fans, Pluto followed, a more traditional rock group, with Manel Cruz (vocalist + second guitar) and Peixe (main guitar).

[from Wikipedia]