Live Review
Palma Violets, Sebright Arms, London
31st January 2015
As explosive and in-your-face as ever, Palma Violets’ return to the gig circuit is loaded with new songs and the same old unapologetic attitude.
Packed to the brim, as part of Independent Venue Week, the Sebright Arms turns into a pool of sweat and excitement as soon as the Lambeth quartet step foot on stage with an up-tempo version of ‘Rattlesnake Highway’. At the front of the venue, the regulars, salivating with each new track, jump up and down recklessly only supervised by one (very defenceless) security member who’s first day on the job he’ll never forget. At the back, the curious observe from a distance but find it impossible not to get involved in the chaos.
While there isn’t much verbal communication with the audience throughout the evening, front-men Chilli Jesson and Sam Fryer’s interaction with each other is engaging and powerful.
‘Best Of Friends’ sits comfortably mid set, preparing the mood for a couple of newbies, the Nick Cave-y ‘Matador’ and ‘Danger In The Club’. By the time they get to fan favourite ‘Step Up For The Cool Cats’ Chilli is bouncing between the fans like another punter and probably the only reason why he isn’t crowd-surfing was cause the ceiling is too low.
As if the night isn’t memorable enough, the live debut of ‘English Tongue’ finishes off what feels more like a comeback gig than a pub show. Palma Violets 2.0 is officially ready to hit the road.
Set list
Rattlesnake Highway
On The Beach
All the Garden Birds
Tom the Drum
Best of Friends
Matador
Step Up for the Cool Cats
Danger In The Club
Johnny Bagga' Donuts
Chicken Dippers
We Found Love
English Tongue
Photos: Carolina Faruolo
Records, etc at
Palma Violets - Danger in the Club
Palma Violets - 180
Palma Violets - We Found Love
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