Palma Violets at Lee’s Palace – May 3, 2013

Written and photographed by Sarah Rix

I don’t know many punk bands that bother with a hype man, but hey – if it works, why not? The crowd was reminded a few times during the show – by both the aforementioned buildup guy and Palma Violets themselves – that Friday night was made for dancing Not that there was a remote threat of an energy shortage for the British punks. In their second visit to Toronto in less than four months, they came, they saw, and they destroyed Lee’s Palace.

Signed to Rough Trade (a label with notable acts like The Strokes, Arcade Fire, and The Hold Steady,) the band was in town touring debut album 180. Live, the indie garage rockers are absolutely assaulting – sounding like Art Brut meets The Cribs with some Mick Jagger energy. A heavy bass line from Alexander Jesson soundtracked the four-piece’s stage presence, Jesson both engaging and slightly mad scientist in his demeanour. William Martin Doyle kept things loud and on track behind his drum kit, making sure “Chicken Dippers” hit hard, as did its “Best of Friends” follow up.

Vocals, traded between Jesson and guitarist Samuel Thomas Fryer, were matched by an eager crowd happy to mosh along to the music. Album closer “14” ended the main portion of their set, the band soon returning for a cover of Canadian punks The Hot Nasties’ 1980 track “Invasion of the Tribbles” and show closer “Brand New Song.” While keyboardist Jeffrey Peter Mayhew was fairly quiet for most of the set behind his keyboard setup, with the encore he let loose, jumping around as part of the mayhem. Palma Violets ended their set with absolute anarchy – alcohol flung in the air, band members flying over the crowd, and moshing both off stage and on.

It was a quick set: Fast, abrasive, and chaotic. There’s certainly nothing shy about Palma Violets. The amount of energy they throw around is unrivaled and it was certainly the most excited I’ve seen a Toronto crowd in a while.

It’s worth pointing out that this would have been a remarkably different show if they were angry punks, but Palma Violets, for all their in-your-face attitude, seem to very much enjoy the whole process of making music and playing shows. They’re on to something – and it’s something best witnessed live.

While a dark, sweaty rock club is probably the best place to see them, they’ll take their wild show to the outdoor festival stage. Palma Violets are due back in Toronto in August for The Grove Music Festival.