“We’re growing up. We’re growing up.” Words uttered on the studio version of British punk rockers Palma Violets’ song “Last of the Summer Wine” off the band’s debut CD 180, but also perhaps a bit of foreshadowing of the group’s maturity leading into the release of their much anticipated sophomore album Danger in the Club (due out May 4).
After remaining out of the spotlight for an extended period of time to focus on recording their follow-up album, Palma Violets emerged as a reinvigorated group at the intimate LA club The Echo, an idea setting for the band’s energetic shows. Refreshed and bolstered by the new music, the group was tight and full of renewed vigor.
The foursome wasted no time getting warmed up and ripped into a familiar song off their debut album, “Rattlesnake Highway,” to kick off the night, and followed it up with other notable tracks from 180, including “Chicken Dippers” and “Best of Friends” to help maintain the euphoric atmosphere in the crowd.
While it’s no surprise how the crowd responded to the familiar songs, it must have been an encouraging sign for the band and sales for its forthcoming album seeing fans respond just as enthusiastically to the new music. But it wasn’t just the fans enjoying the moment. If the ear-to-ear smile on the face of bassist Alexander “Chilli” Jesson was any indication, he, too, was having the time of his life as he was being passed around the crowd like a sack of potatoes, all while still playing his instrument.
As chaotic and rowdy as the shows can be in their homeland, it’s hard to argue the band’s impact on the sold-out LA crowd with fans pressed against the front of the stage, accompanied by hordes of screaming, adoring admirers and hands reaching out to touch their music idols.
Collectively, Palma Violets come across as a well-oiled machine full of unbridled youth and verve, it’s really Jesson, lead singer/guitarist Samuel Fryer and drummer William Doyle that truly unleash the relentless amount of energy and enthusiasm during the band’s shows. However, it’s keyboardist Jeffrey Mayhew’s relative low-key demeanor that remains an integral part of the band on songs like “Step Up for the Cool Cats,” “Johnny Bagga’ Donuts” and “Tom the Drum” that raise the band’s songs and sets to new levels.
The group could have easily ended the evening with the late-night singalong “14,” but instead graced the crowd with an encore that might become the band’s signature song for shows played in The Golden State, a cover of Henry Glover’s “California Sun.” And like many other covers, the Palma Violets’ version of the classic surfer-rock song may become the best take on the tune to date. And that includes the ever-popular version and benchmark set by veteran indie rockers The Replacements.
The long awaited return of to Los Angeles also brought out at least one notable high-profile fan, with U2’s Bono and his wife taking in the show. However, rumor floating around after the performance also indicated other celebrities were spotted in attendance, including musician Tom Petty and actor/comedian Bill Murray. While all appearances remain unconfirmed, it illustrates the buzz and appeal of the band among some influential musicians and other well-known celebrities, helping boost the group’s status.
Regardless of the celebrity appeal of the band and the potential of raising their awareness among music fans, Palma Violets remain a band that lovers of indie punk-rock should get to know. As appealing as their studio album may be to fans, it’s the live performances where the band truly shines.
However, Palma Violets weren’t the only band to play the night that the music world and fans of the punk genre should get to know. LA-based punk outfit No Parents kicked off the night with a thoroughly dynamic and entertaining set filled with fast-paced music, humorous lyrics, animated delivery…and partial nudity. The show started innocently enough with frontman Zoe Reign fully clothed, but quickly converted into a half-dressed performance as Reign stripped down to his skivvies for the remainder of the band’s set.
In what might appear as a stage gimmick to draw attention, the lack of attire plays into the group’s performance as entertaining punk rockers looking to entertain and simultaneously titillate the crowd. And if they haven’t already considered the option, Reign in particular should consider approaching an underwear manufacturer as a sponsor for their shows. A little tighter fitter brief might not be a bad option.
Palma Violets Setlist
Rattlesnake Highway
Danger in the Club
Tom the Drum
Chicken Dippers
Best of Friends
Matador
Step Up for the Cool Cats
Last of the Summer Wine
Girl, You Couldn’t Do Much Better on the Beach
Johnny Bagga’ Donuts
14
Encore
We Found Love
California Sun (Henry Glover cover)<
