Lots of UK bands do Libertinesesque shambolic Britpop, but Palma Violets are both rawer and more skilled at writing singalong hooks than many of their contemporaries. The good news for their fans is that that formula is still intact, and recording with legendary producer John Leckie didn’t cause them to file away all their charmingly rough edges. They’re not reinventing themselves, but they’re also not losing sight of what people love about them.
And Danger In The Club isn’t a complete retread of their 2013 debut. This time around they’re angrier and far less wholesome and fun. A sense of boozy pub rock abandon prevails, and what felt like youthful energy then now feels like desperation. That’s not necessarily a problem – it gives the record an added edge and more depth. The choruses aren’t quite as contagiously catchy, and they occasionally try too hard to be clever with their songwriting.
Top track: Hollywood (I Got It)
Palma Violets play the Garrison on Friday (May 15).
