After forming in Porto in 1991, Ornatos Violeta (Violet Ornaments) didn't get around to releasing their debut, Cão! ("Dog!"), until 1997. Singer/songwriter Manel Cruz brought a poetic moral sense to songs about misplaced affection and shady street life on this melodic blend of rock, funk and pop. Their second and final album, O Monstro Precisa de Amigos ("The Monster Needs Friends") refined the band's raw early energy in songs that sometimes questioned the need for love in a world of pain through lyrics like, "My evil is to see that I'm doing fine".