Grab this debut from England's Palma Violets, and when the backlashing naysayers start their whining, just put your earbuds in and stomp-dance into the sunset. Palma Violets' sound is rich with history (The Velvet Underground, The Doors, even Iggy) yet firmly modern (British Sea Power, Vaccines, Toy). It's a smart, riotous blend of then and now, carefully balancing somber and ecstatic, bombastic and brooding. With the pounding, essential single "Best of Friends" zipping up the British charts like a rat with its tail on fire, you might not expect the rest of the album to have the same oomph. But it does: "Rattlesnake Highway" and "We Found Love" soar on grimy, distorted pop pretensions; "Tom the Drum" thumps and swoops with a goofy menace. Tunes like "Last of the Summer Wine" and "Step Up for the Cool Cats" unfold with the swirling, slow build of a Galaxie 500 or Spiritualized tune, eventually blooming into psych-pop brilliance. Key to the Violets' success are Chilli Jesson's throbbing bass lines and rich voice and the expressive, soulful organ work of Pete Mayhew.
More By Palma Violets
You Might Also Like
- The Maccabees
- Swim Deep