WALKING into a packed Liquid Rooms in Edinburgh nice and early, Tenement TV couldn’t wait to see Baby Strange in a different setting. Since last catching them during the Tenement Trail last month, the band have really made an impression on Glasgow with raving reviews flooding Twitter and Facebook feeds.
Popular track Pure Evil went down well with the crowd, as the band treated the Edinburgh crowd to their energetic stage presence. The set unfolded nicely, with last track Want It / Need It going down best with the crowd. Baby Strange were the perfect support for Palma Violets, warming up the crowd nicely. Violets lead singer Chilli Alexander Jesson spoke to Tenement TV before their headlining slot, exclaiming that Baby Strange “Are fucking awesome man!”
Palma Violets are sure to cause controversy wherever they go. Thanks to an NME branding of “the future of British guitar music”, the band have a lot to live up to. The Edinburgh gig didn’t disappoint with their wonderful noise and energy making for an exciting set.
Sceptics shrugging Palma Violets off and assuming they are just another band that would burn out before they even began, could be forced to reconsider thanks to their recent tour dates that have been shouted about all over social media and blogs. With the album 180 getting a continuous stream of positive reviews and being noted for its high energy and sleazy Ramones-meets-The Clash sound, the album was written to be played live.
The Liquid Rooms is at full capacity and the atmosphere is electric. The word excitement doesn’t quite cut it when explaining the buzz around the two-tier venue.
When the band arrives on stage it’s almost instantaneous that the crowd shifts from eagerly waiting to an ocean of everyone joining together as one. The venue fills with screams and in minutes the band throw themselves in to Johnny Bagga’ Donuts. Bassist Chilli Jesson’s angry snarls echo throughout the venue, while the sound of the organ played by highly talented Pete Mayhew bellows into your eardrum.
The tracks continue with enthusiasm and gusto- it becomes increasingly obvious why these live shows have been so hotly-tipped. Album favourites Rattlesnake Highway and the slightly sombre All the Garden Birds are appeasing the crowd. As the first four notes of debut single Best of Friends is heard, the room erupts into a manic, hysterical frenzy.
The noted chemistry between lead singer and guitarist Fryer and Jesson doesn’t seem to be quite there tonight. It might not come across in such a large venue and while certainly not being a detrimental factor, it is sad that you didn’t get to see the intimacy that is being compared to that of Carl Barat and Pete Doherty.
The band continues to charm throughout Step Up for the Cool Cats and We Found Love although nothing does manage to reach the hysterical reaction to the debut Best of Friends.
The band show no signs of tiring, returning to the stage with Harry Violence, friend of the band, for a riotous cover of The Hot Nasties Invasion of the Tribbles and finishing off the night with Brand New Song.
The encore sums Palma Violets up perfectly; they are a group of young boys who make exciting albeit slightly chaotic, loud music; that when played live- whisks everyone into a sweaty, dysfunctional rampage.
By Rosie McCormack
