IN REVIEW: Palma Violets - "Danger in the Club"

 

Many bands that have had the infamous British hype machine behind them during their formative years have gone on to defy expectations by developing into far different bands than they were originally labelled as. Just look at the discographies of Bloc Party and Arctic Monkeys for ample proof. There's a tendency there to fly in the face of these labels, to overcome the hype itself and take control of the narrative, ignorant of conventional wisdom and assumptions of character.

Maybe Palma Violets will make their move someday, but their sophomore record is content to tread much of the same ground as their debut. Danger in the Club is a touch faster and moves a little closer to the raw power of their live show, but the recordings still lack some of that important aesthetic. The result might be just a but too loose and carefree for its own good. Many songs could have benefited from a more structured approach, and the tossed-off nature of the performances isn't as effective in studio as it is in a sweaty club.

The glaring exception is album closer English Tongue; this song pairs a ragged, boisterous performance with a big, juicy sing-along chorus. It's by far the best song here, and also the most frustrating because it shows you the quality this band is capable of, but for one reason or another fails to deliver for the majority of the album. As it stands, Danger in the Club is a record that's not necessarily bad, but I can't shake the feeling that should have been much better.

May 5, 2015 • Rough Trade

Highlights Hollywood (I Got It) • Danger in the Club • English Tongue