PALMA VIOLETS / MING CITY ROCKERS | LIVE REVIEW
Buffalo, Cardiff, Sat 25 Apr
Since gaining critical recognition two years ago, London-based outfit Palma Violets have been hailed from some quarters as pinups of a so-called indie rock resurgence. And having played a support slot for the Stones’ Hyde Park anniversary stint, it’s reasonable to conclude they at least must be doing something right. Judging by their latest single English Tongue, from sophomore effort Danger In The Club, the band seemingly remain keen to forge a sound that reinforces the coarse garage rock-leaning identity of their debut outing. With much hype behind them and an album to promote, the intimate surroundings of Buffalo found a robust legion of fans keenly anticipating unbridled adrenaline and ego-fuelled antics from the four-piece.
Support came in the form of Ming City Rockers, who excelled with a skilful combination of proto-punk and raw rockabilly bravado that lent excess energy to the predominantly teenage and twenty-something make-up of the audience. Churning through an uncompromising livewire display, the outfit showcased a visceral and sparse integrity, serving as an antidote to the pomp of other artists in existence. They also proved adept in their interplay with those gathered, with pleasingly spontaneous moments such as that of bassist Jakki Walsh, at one point, immersing himself within the crowd to finish the drinks of gig-goers.
Palma Violets eventually took to the stage, drawing a fevered and vociferous response. As second track of the setlist, a raucously beat-infused performance of anthemic Rattlesnake Highway brought the room into roaring reverence. Cycling through fare from both studio releases, they flitted between chant-inducing numbers that prompted scenes of crowdsurfing revelry and fervent affinity for their material. Wielding their instruments with an impassioned and rolling sense of gravitas, lead vocalist Sam Fryer and bassist Chilli Jesson affected a confident and consistently invigorating command of the room; a dynamic that seemed to neatly coincide with the stripped-back nature of their collective output. This successfully translated to the general atmosphere, those in attendance rewarding the quartet with surging appraisal, a reception the band will hope to replicate throughout their remaining UK and US tour dates.
words CHRIS PEACH