It was only two weeks ago that Palma Violets were formally introduced to the nation in full glorious technicolour on the front cover of NME magazine. A proud moment for any band, but being hailed as the “Best New Band in Britain” also brings a hefty weight of expectation for Palma Violets to bloom in to the next great guitar group.
So, they have wangled themselves a deal with Rough Trade Records (previous home to the likes of The Smiths and The Libertines) and are yet to officially release a single song – butPalma Violets have built a loyal core following from their early rock ‘n’ roll shows in the capital city and now the word is out. Palma Violets online presence really has been minimal, with the band rightly letting their music and reputation as a thrilling live act do the talking, and this only intensifies the shroud of mystery and excitement surrounding their first nationwide tour.
The south London quartet now find themselves top of the bill at tonight’s indie fest at 53 Degrees. It’s a great, intimate venue to experience the Palma Violets live set. As the upstairs room begins to fill and the cool kids in-the-know gather, it’s pretty obvious that the front page exposure sure helps sell tickets and T-shirts.
Bass maestro, Chilli Jesson was spotted taking in the support acts before the show. Childhood did a nice job of warming up the crowd with effortless style. Jesson’s the one at the front who can’t stand still, bouncing to every groovy beat and eager to take to the stage.
When the anticipant crowd have waited for long enough, it’s time for Sam Fryer (vocals/guitar), Jesson (vocals/bass/maracas), Pete Mayhew (keys/synth) and Will Doyle (drums) to appear from backstage. The ramshackle gang, plough through a well-rehearsed set with a genuine enthusiasm and infectious Clash-like energy. The chemistry between the band members gives a refreshing sense that these four friends are doing it for the fun of it, as it should be. The likeable Fryer and slightly insane Jesson dual for the spotlight and it’s a combination that the audience clearly love. It seems to be Jesson’s mission of the night to make sure no-one leaves without feeling part of the action, and he does a commendable job.
Debut single Best of Friends is due for release next week and is one of the catchiest tunes, prompting a fantastic reaction from the crowd. Other stand out tracks include the beefy basslines of Tom The Drum and the hypnotic, Jim Morrison-esque Happy Endings. It does not seem to matter that nobody really knows the songs, but we soon will.
As the fans are whipped in to a frenzy, two attempted stage invaders are easily disposed off by security during the encore. It’s after about an hour, that the final sweaty chords of the epic Fourteen bring the show to a close – a song supposedly penned following a heavy night on the town, about the faithful Number 14 bus that fittingly takes them home.
It’s a truly exhilarating performance, well worthy of the hype. Palma Violets have tasted the big time, and it tastes sweet.
Review: Liam Carroll
Photography: Zoe Taylor (ZT Photography)
