Photo: James Aukett
It seemed as if nothing would cheer up the moody punters gathered to witness Palace Fires' first packed-out London headline show, but thankfully 'Caught in the Shadows' at full throttle ingests some jollity and spice into the evening, following a couple of uneventful support bands. As 'Up to Speed' takes hold, singer Ed Bannard shows off his indie-soul poses, revealing black boxers under some freshly-ironed, but time-battered togs. Under the four mini pillars that add a regal touch to the Water Rats stage, 'Fear of Falling' encourages the stragglers lingering in the bar to stretch a neck over headtops for a glimpse of the action.
Already heralded by various influential alternative DJs and websites, Palace Fires' brand of no-nonsense, but occasionally experimental melodic rock has obviously struck a convincing chord in the industry. Emerging from the ashes of Gene, drummer Matt James and guitarist Steve Mason (along with bassist Mike Buchanan, and Ed) have crafted a successful next step in the music world, as the band's recently released (sold out) debut single 'Nothing Comes Close' proves. Jerking more energy into the squished audience, it provides a much-needed chance for Ed to address the crowd, where he also details the band's near-electrocution at last month's shambolic 'Fawsley Fayre,' - torrential rain, plus a stage with flat roof of corrugated iron somewhat dampened Palace Fires' will to get up and play! (However, when they eventually picked up their instruments three hours after their alloted slot, it went down a storm.) A song aired in the early shows, 'Lonely Feeling,' has now been dropped in favour of the more interesting 'Stay Low,' another bluesy, lispy, rolling number which, at some points, makes Ed seem like Richard Ashcroft's more eloquent younger brother.
'Never Gonna Get Away' haunts the Gene fans in the crowd with some familiar guitar action and when nerves shatter Ed's grasp on the microphone, it drops to the ground, but is rescued with an expert flourish. 'Sunkissed Sky' will probably prove their most enduring song, its soaring chorus and Springsteen-esque slow crescendo really hitting the right heartstrings, ending with a general feeling of elation. Continuing the happy spirits and seeing them back to the dressing room with hearty applause, is their country number 'Start the Fire,' a song that the members of Brinkman present wouldn't sniff at. So, a show and a band destined to win over an increasing army of fans, but hopefully the positivity and excitement that surrounds Palace Fires so early on, will stand the test of time and not suffer a premature backlash.
