Palma Violets “really had to learn how to start again” with second album

It’s been a while since Palma Violets were last let loose in the studio but, after the storming ruckus that was their debut, they realised that they might need to put a bit of extra time and elbow grease into its follow-up.

“I forgot how to write,” joint-frontman and unofficial head troublemaker Chilli Jesson admitted to DIY when we visited their rehearsal space recently. The band freely admit that writing was the last thing on their mind for two years after getting signed by Rough Trade. “We didn’t even give a shit,” laughed Chilli. “I couldn’t even read a book, let alone write songs.”

They seemingly decided on a new tact: head out into the countryside, where things were going to be that little bit quieter.

“We made a conscious decision after Reading [2013] to go and write in Wales,” Chilli explained. “We met these two hippy folk, they’re very spiritual people. They sing a song on our album.” The peace and quiet of Monmouthshire was exactly what the band needed to approach a new album. “Coming back we really had to learn how to start again,” nods Sam Fryer, the front-of-stage counterpoint to Chilli. “This place in Wales was the perfect place to do it.”

“We spent a lot more time on this one,” agrees drummer Will Doyle. “There was a lot more work and effort put into it. Last album when we got signed, it was a very quick thing. It was all happening so quickly, and we needed to capture that moment in time. We hadn’t been creative for a year and a half. When you tour, your mindset is: turn up, play a show. We had a week where we would fly to a different country every day. You forget what day it is, you’re on autopilot.”