This will likely be 2013’s most necessary debut and will undoubtedly stand as one of the years best ten months down the line.
You’re struck by the strength of the songs, and the roguish, self-assured charm with which they’re delivered.
Palma Violets' deliciously raggedy rock is enveloping. If scratchy guitars and lolloping drums could give hugs, these would be the sweatiest, messiest, yet most kind-hearted type.
180 is an act of evangelism from giddy enthusiasts who don’t know how well-worn these sounds are because they’re new to them.
It’s a loud record, but everything’s all there. It shakes, it rattles, it rolls, and that’s sort of a nagging issue.
Palma Violets get a pass this time, their lack of focus and their naivety balanced by their charm.
The album doesn't reinvent anything – they never claimed it would, and it was never meant to – but it's a solid record that will keep them treading water until epiphany strikes and album number two reaches us.
It’s that inconsistency which plagues 180 and means that while Palma Violets have certainly got talent, their debut falls just short of the expectations that’s been ladled on it.
While the better songs sound rough around the edges, their inferior material here sounds scrappy and juvenile.
It's not the terrible record to be savaged that an army of hipsters hoped for, just a very plain one that sounds like it was made by 14-year-olds, for 14-year-olds.
Best of Friends ~ ★★☆☆☆
Step Up for the Cool Cats ~ ★★☆☆☆
All the Garden Birds ~ ★★☆☆☆
Rattlesnake Highway ~ ★★☆☆☆
Chicken Dippers ~ ★★☆☆☆
Last of the Summer Wine ~ ★★☆☆☆
Tom the Drum ~ ★★☆☆☆
Johnny Bagga' Donuts ~ ★★☆☆☆
We Found Love ~ ★★☆☆☆
Three Stars ~ ★★☆☆☆
14 ~ ★★☆☆☆
Meh
This is just overwhelmingly generic. There are some good songs here and there, but for the most part, it is just generic UK rock. The production is pretty generic, but can be good in some parts. The vocals aren't very unique, and sometimes get way too unintelligible. Overall, this is just an average generic uk rock album.
Best Tracks: Best of Friends, Rattlesnake Highway, Tom the Drum, 3 Stars, 14
Least Favorite Track: Last of the Summer Wine
Still holds some special moments for 16 year old me, but otherwise this thing is utterly unremarkable.
#21 | / | Q Magazine |
#25 | / | PopMatters |
#29 | / | The Fly |
#32 | / | NME |
#65 | / | Rough Trade |