Palace is a UK alternative blues-rock group with a throughly laid-back, chilled-out vibe. They claim inspiration from a variety of sources - Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, Steely Dan, Radiohead. When asked about the the underlying concept behind their new album, frontman Leo Windham says simply, “Hope,” but elaborates - “Hope and positivity – seeing the light at the end of a long tunnel. It’s about going through tough times and coming out the other side.” It’s an album about both loss and recovery, darkness into light, bleak drought to lush spring. The record was primarily produced by Catherine Marks, known for work with Foals, The Killers, Wolf Alice, and Manchester Orchestra. (Record nerd trivia: Catherine had stints working as an assistant for both Flood and Alan Moulder.) “Face In The Crowd” is a Bon Iver-esque acoustic heartwarmer, “Caught My Breath” is underpinned with glitchy electronic rumble. “Martyr” begins with low acoustic strumming and double-timed drums, setting the stage for an arena-sized chorus and thick riffs. “No Other” is folky melodrama along the lines of The Macabees. The record's cover features a painting by Leo’s little brother, and the LP is pressed on black vinyl with printed inner sleeve.

• black vinyl pressing
• printed inner sleeve
  
• music label: Fiction 2019
  
• also available: Someday Somewhere EP

reviewed by MEG THE RABBIT 08/2019