REVIEW

Much-hyped Palma Violets delivers on debut

AP review by Sian Watson

[March 18, 2013]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Palma Violets, "180" (Rough Trade)

There were lots of whispers and mumbles about Palma Violets before the release of its debut album "180" in home country Great Britain, and quite rightly so.

The quartet really is bringing something fresh to a somewhat stale chart with growling guitars and pounding drums, and there isn't anything quite like it kicking around at the moment.

The album's opening track "Best of Friends" allows elements to slowly build, first with a carefully plucked chord set, then the pound of a drum, topped off with howling vocals. Lyrics are simplistic. "I wanna be your best friend," yowl singers Chilli Jesson and Sam Fryer, who have been dubbed 2013's answer to Carl Barat and Pete Doherty of The Libertines.

Highlights of the album include "We Found Love," again showcasing the simplistic yet optimistic lyrics, and "Three Stars," which brings a calmer moment to the otherwise raucous record.

[Associated Press; By SIAN WATSON]

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