London-born Palace showcase their evolved epic sound at the Roundhouse

The Roundhouse is packed for local band Palace. The London-based trio played their first gig in King’s Cross, so being from the ends, they get a lot of love from the crowd tonight. This show finishes off the group’s sold-out UK and Ireland tour with their second album, Life After. The record explores loss – whether through heartbreak or death – and has a more epic feel than their debut.

The musicians have been friends since they were 13, living and working together in an arty squat/studio situation, and it shows up in their slick sound. It is big, expansive and immersive. Lead singer and guitarist Leo Wyndham has a great voice, swooning and swooping around the space with the shoegaze-esque guitar riffs.

The lyrics, heartfelt and personal, clearly connect with the audience. Martyr is a crowd favourite – a group at the front shoulder-riding exuberantly, singing back the positive words. The songs devolve into epic guitar riffs to spectacular effect.

Another highlight is I Want What You Got, which builds incessantly, allowing Wyndham to let his voice go, breaking out raw and really showing off his vocals.

The sound is beautiful, but the songs tend to be one tone, running into one another. More light and shade might do the epic sound more justice; it’s hard to remember individual tracks. However, it is clear the sound is developing and the band are only on their second album. Martyr shows the epic direction in which Palace are going and some more definitive tunes would be great to make more of the excellent musicianship on show.

Jessica Wall
Photos: Virginie Viche

For further information and future events visit Palace’s website here.

Watch the video for Running Wild here: