Palma Violets

When you first ask people if they’ve heard of Palma Violets, half will instantly turn their nose up and say they’re awful and taste like soap. Once corrected that we’re talking about the band and not the sweets, however, the love-hate relationship vanishes in favour of a refreshing band who pack a punch without a soap-bud in sight.

Palma Violets themselves described their gig at the Electric Circus as “energetic” and they do themselves justice. Stood on the street in the centre of Edinburgh, talking to the first Geordie they’ve met on tour, the only other way they could sum it up was that, indeed, the gig went “fan-dabby-dozy.” It’s encouraging to see that the band knows meeting and chatting with their fans is important.

It was clear from the size of the venue that despite being on a month-long spree of gigging, Palma Violets were keeping things intimate, with the stage only raised a little from the audience without so much as a barrier. There’s not many bands who’ve already made the cover of NME that wait in the lobby and walk through the crowd to clamber on stage, but that’s where the benefit of such venues comes in, allowing the audience to feel a close connection with the music they’re hearing – and good music at that.

There was something unique about the crowd that Palma Violet’s drew with their spirited and robust riffs that were friendly, energetic and a little bit crazed all at the same time, making for an individual experience.

Heart-pounding rhythms and head-banging tunes have already secured Palma Violets firm fans, the lyrics to ‘Best of Friends’ sung back to the band by their onlookers. It certainly says something about the speed at which the London four-piece is becoming known.

In such a small venue however and with a backdrop of mirrors to the set, it was clear that vanity was a slight issue, the band proceeding to bob their heads strangely in sync to the point where they looked like a set of nodding dogs. All of which can be forgiven for the fact their music is stimulating, engrossing and youthful, an aura of living life to the full radiating with every chorus.

It’s easy to see why people compare the band with the likes of The Vaccines, with the same curiously attractive drawl and catchy lilts, but with one vital difference – Palma Violets are simply way more fun. A better comparison would be a modern twist on the punk vibe of The Clash of which the band are somewhat reminiscent.

For a band so young – in more respects than one – they certainly showed Edinburgh exactly how music should be played and that a little bit of passion and enthusiasm will no doubt see the band grow even more popular sooner rather than later.