LIVE REVIEW: PALM READER @ THOUSAND ISLAND 24/07/2018
Background:
After years of fighting for recognition, 2018 seems to be the year for ‘Palm Reader’. Riding the crest of the wave of their sensational third album ‘Braille’, the Woking quintet have experienced a much deserved surge in popularity whilst supporting the likes of ‘Rolo Tomassi’ and ‘The Contortionist’ on their respective tours. This week marks the start of their own headline tour in recognition of seven years as a band and the release of their best album to date.
Thousand Island 24/07/2018:
Situated above The Garage in North London, Thousand Island is an intimate venue that feels not unlike a large living room. Regardless of the size, it is still heartwarming to know that tonights show has sold out in advance and that so many people have made sure to arrive early in order to see ‘Cove’ as they take the stage. ‘Cove’ first came to our attention when we reviewed their sophomore EP back in March and described them as “bloody brilliant” and “definitely a group to keep an eye on”. This is a sentiment that increases ten fold in a live environment as they play a phenomenal set of rage infused metalcore to an ever-growing audience. The set is short and sweet, but with songs like ‘Reflect-Resolve’ in their arsenal it is not far-fetched to imagine ‘Cove’ moving on to bigger horizons in the not so distant future.
A group that is no stranger to Spirit Level by now is ‘Heck’ alumni duo ‘Haggard Cat’. This is the third time we have had the fortune of seeing ‘Haggard Cat’ so far this year and they have improved significantly with every performance. Tonight is no exception as this is easily the most energetic performance that we have seen from the two-piece so far. Each song sounds monumental from ‘Bad News (Travels Fast)’ to ‘American Graffiti’ which threatens to be one of our songs of the year. What is most noticeable whenever ‘Haggard Cat’ are on stage is just how happy they are to be there and it is a level of enthusiasm that is highly infectious.
By the time that ‘Palm Reader’ take the stage, the energy in the room is electric and it is becoming clear that tonight is going to be special. Within the first few chords of ‘Internal Winter’ it is clear that moshing is not a choice but an inevitability as the entire room erupts into a cacophony of energy. ‘Palm Reader’ took the stage with a point to prove and they are now eagerly ramming it down our throats. It is about half way through the set though that things start to get really special. ‘Swarm’ takes the room by storm as the ever expanding pit bubbles into a cauldron of crowd surfers and stage divers. We are then treated to ‘Coalesce’ with guest vocals from ‘Haggard Cats’ Matt Reynolds before a surprise rendition of ‘Seeing & Believing Are Two Different Things’; their first ever release. ‘Palm Readers’ cult status becomes clear as daylight as the crowd sing every word back at them. The band close with their staple final song ‘I Watch The Fire Chase My Tongue’ which once again spawns stage divers, crowd surfers and a monumental circle pit that practically fills the room.
After years of playing to half empty rooms, tonight is a well deserved home coming for ‘Palm Reader’ and without a doubt the best performance that we have ever experienced them perform. This is one of those rare performances that will be remembered for years to come.
