Palma Violets at The Hippodrome, Kingston
It has been a long time since i've done a first impression, but I can firmly say I saw some mighty fine talent on the returning night! I turned up for the support bands just to see what was going on, and I was actually quite surprised by how tight the very first band sounded (King Nun I believe). Dressed in checkered shirts and looking like they were in need of a good haircut, the fellas chopped out some great grungey guitar work and got the crowd going pretty well! The next band were shit. Don't listen to them. They're called Ming City Rockers and they were absolutely bloody dreadful. They sounded looser than a hooker, and looked like they were something churned out of a rubbish 2005 emo band. Poor job. And then the big event! Immediately Palma Violets proved the promotion of leagues from support bands to headline. There was a kick in the sound, a shift of gears if you like. After listening to the lot after the gig, I came to the conclusion that Palma Violets are a live band. The music sounds so much better. The crowd moves, the band dances, the room fills with a concoction of great songs and mutual love of music. On the record you simply don't get that; it feels like you're alone at a festival and no one to sing the songs with. Luckily for me and a pal, we had a whole venue's worth of singers. To say this was a great first impression would be a true understatement. Although Palma Violets are already on their second album, it still feels like they're only going to get bigger and better as time goes on. Key tracks to listen to: 'Best Of Friends' 'English Tongue' '14 'Danger In The Club' Thanks to Banquet Records for a great night, and thanks to all the bands for making it what it was.













